Femi Azeez dodges Millwall future questions as Premier League dream intensifies

Nigeria international Femi Azeez has refused to be drawn on his long-term future at Millwall despite openly admitting his burning ambition to one day grace the Premier League.

The 24-year-old winger produced a revelatory campaign for the Lions during the 2025-26 Championship season, coming painfully close to guiding them into the top flight before they narrowly missed out on promotion.

His standout performances have now placed him firmly on the radar of several higher-profile clubs ahead of a potentially transformative summer window.

Rather than engaging with speculation about his next move, Azeez has chosen to keep his focus squarely on the present. With interest mounting, the versatile attacker appears determined to avoid adding fuel to the transfer rumours swirling around The Den.

His measured stance reflects a professionalism that has defined his rapid rise through the English football pyramid.

“It’s not up to me, you know. Now I’m on holiday, and I want to enjoy it with my kids and prepare for the season with Millwall, so that’s what I’m thinking right now,” he told Flashscore.com.

Stellar Championship campaign puts Azeez in spotlight

Azeez contributed 11 goals and eight assists in 37 appearances for Alex Neil’s side, a return that not only transformed Millwall’s attacking threat but also secured him a prestigious spot in the official EFL Championship Team of the Season.

Operating primarily from the wing but displaying the intelligence to influence play centrally, he became the heartbeat of a team that pushed promotion contenders to the limit, ultimately falling just short in a tightly contested campaign.

Those numbers have unsurprisingly drawn admiring glances from across the divisions. Yet Azeez’s ability to deliver consistent end product while maintaining defensive discipline has elevated his stock considerably.

Several clubs are now monitoring the former Reading man closely, viewing him as a ready-made Premier League talent capable of making an immediate impact.

Earlier in the year, the forward had spoken with refreshing candour about his ultimate goals in the game. In an interview with Sky Sports, he left no doubt about his drive to reach English football’s highest level.

“As a footballer, you always want to play at the highest level you can. I’ve had a good season in the Championship, but whenever I achieve something, I’m always hungry for more and looking towards the next step,” he said.

“I’m ambitious both as a footballer and as a person, and I want to reach the highest level possible. The Premier League is the pinnacle of football, and I would love to play there one day. I’ll do everything I can to make that happen.”

This self-awareness and relentless appetite for improvement have become defining traits. While he insists on enjoying family time during the close season before returning for pre-season, the underlying message is clear: Azeez sees brighter lights on the horizon.

Instant impact on international stage

Domestic excellence translated seamlessly onto the global stage when Azeez received his maiden call-up to the Super Eagles. He wasted little time making his mark during the 2026 Unity Cup, scoring twice in Nigeria’s 2-0 semi-final victory over Zimbabwe before providing a decisive assist in the final triumph against Jamaica at Charlton Athletic’s Valley Stadium.

The tournament offered him a new role as a number 10, one he embraced with evident relish. Reflecting on that breakthrough experience with the three-time African champions, he conveyed genuine pride in pulling on the green and white shirt.

“Very happy, you know. Obviously, it’s a new position, number 10, and I think I really enjoyed it. It’s a great team, great management, and a great manager, so I think it’s gone well,” he continued.

“I was really happy when I got the call from the manager. I was honoured and very proud.”

On what Nigeria supporters should expect moving forward, he added: “Hopefully, more of the same – goals, assists, creating chances, being exciting for the fans and, most importantly, hard work.”

Staying humble despite Odemwingie comparisons

Frequent comparisons to former Super Eagles star Peter Odemwingie, another versatile forward with English-Nigerian heritage, have become a daily occurrence. Azeez, however, remains grounded and determined to forge his own identity rather than live under any shadow.

“I’m hearing it every day now, but I’ve got to stay humble and create a name for myself,” he said.

He has also expressed a strong desire to share a dressing room with two of Nigeria’s premier talents, former African Footballers of the Year Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.

“Of course, I’d love to play with them. They’re among the best players in Africa, so naturally I want to learn from them and improve my game.”

From non-league roots to Lions leader

Azeez’s journey embodies the virtue of patience and perseverance. Born in England to a Nigerian father and Spanish mother, he began in non-league with Northwood before joining Wealdstone in 2018.

A loan spell at Hanwell Town preceded his move to Reading in 2019, where further loans at Bracknell Town helped him develop before he made his senior debut in 2021.

He gradually established himself at the Berkshire club, particularly excelling in the 2023-24 season, which paved the way for his switch to Millwall in 2024.

Football clearly courses through the family veins. His younger brother Miguel has represented England across multiple youth levels from U16 to U20, creating an intriguing parallel between the siblings’ international paths.

As the transfer speculation inevitably gathers pace, Azeez’s refusal to engage on his long-term Millwall future only heightens the intrigue. His breakout year, international promise and obvious Premier League calibre suggest this story is far from over.

Whether he remains at The Den to lead another promotion charge or takes the next step toward his stated pinnacle will dominate discussions in the coming months.

For now, the winger’s focus on rest, family and returning sharper speaks to a maturity beyond his years — the hallmark of a player ready for whatever challenge lies ahead.