Brighton join race for Super Eagles star Femi Azeez as Premier League battle heats up

Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion have joined the race for Nigerian forward Femi Azeez as they step up efforts to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The Seagulls are monitoring the 25-year-old Millwall attacker after already securing the signing of another promising Nigerian, Zadok Yohanna, earlier this summer.

According to the Yorkshire Post, Brighton have identified Azeez as a potential attacking reinforcement as they prepare for a campaign that will include European football.

Brighton finished eighth in the Premier League last season and secured qualification for the UEFA Conference League, increasing the need for greater depth across their squad.

The club are now exploring the possibility of adding Azeez, whose performances in the Championship have attracted growing attention.

Hull City also pushing for Azeez

Brighton, however, face competition from newly promoted Hull City, who have also expressed strong interest in the forward.

Hull are understood to be prepared to meet Millwall’s valuation of Azeez as they look to reinforce their squad following their return to the Premier League.

Millwall previously rejected an offer from Ipswich Town for the attacker, while head coach Alex Neil has acknowledged that Azeez could depart if the club’s asking price is met before the transfer window closes.

The growing interest comes after Azeez enjoyed a standout 2025-26 campaign, helping Millwall reach the Championship play-off semi-finals.

Super Eagles breakthrough boosts stock

Azeez scored 11 goals and registered seven assists last season, earning a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Season and establishing himself as one of the division’s leading attacking players.

His club form also earned him a maiden call-up to the Nigeria national team during the offseason, where he immediately made an impact.

The forward scored twice on his Super Eagles debut in the semi-final of the 2026 Unity Cup before playing a key role in Nigeria’s final victory over Jamaica.

Nigeria successfully defended their Unity Cup title, further raising Azeez’s profile ahead of the new season.

Azeez has previously made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League, and the latest interest from Brighton and Hull could provide him with an opportunity to fulfil that ambition.

The attacker also suffered an injury scare during Millwall’s opening 2-0 Championship victory over Bristol City last weekend, although the setback has not stopped speculation over his future.

Brighton eye seventh Nigerian signing

With both Brighton and Hull City monitoring his situation, Azeez could leave Millwall in the coming days if either club meets the Championship side’s valuation.

A move to Brighton would make him the seventh Nigerian player to represent the club, following the Seagulls’ recent acquisition of Yohanna.

Brighton had beaten competition from Newcastle United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Rennes to sign the 18-year-old from Swedish club AIK in June.

They could now make another move for Nigerian talent as the Premier League side prepares for its return to European competition.