Femi Azeez: Brighton reveal why they fought to sign Super Eagles winger from Millwall

Brighton & Hove Albion moved quickly to secure Femi Azeez because they saw a player who had already proved he could make a difference in the Championship, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian winger completed his move from Millwall to Brighton on a four-year contract after a late deadline-day deal. The transfer fee was not disclosed.

The deal almost ran beyond the normal transfer deadline. Brighton and Millwall submitted a deal sheet before the 11pm deadline on Tuesday night, which extended the window until 1am on Wednesday morning. The clubs then completed the transfer before the extended deadline.

Brighton's decision was based on more than Azeez's potential. Sporting director Mike Cave pointed to the 25-year-old's performances during a strong 2025-26 campaign, when Millwall reached the Championship playoffs.

“We are delighted to add Femi to the squad. He arrives off the back of an excellent season with Millwall, having played a key role for them as they finished in the playoffs,” Cave said.

“He was one of the most exciting attacking talents in the Championship, and we’re delighted to have finally agreed his transfer, and we now looking forward to working with him.”

Azeez's numbers explain why Brighton were prepared to push the deal through late on deadline day. He made 77 appearances for Millwall, scoring 15 goals and supplying 13 assists. His 28 goal contributions gave Brighton evidence that he could create chances as well as score them.

Azeez's rise made the move even more attractive

Azeez's route to the Premier League is one of the most important parts of his story.

He had been in Watford's youth system before dropping into non-league football with Northwood. He later played for Wealdstone and Hanwell Town before earning a move to Reading in 2019.

His career then took him to Millwall in 2024. Two years later, he has moved into the Premier League with Brighton after establishing himself as one of the Championship's notable attacking players.

The 2025-26 season gave his reputation another lift. Azeez was selected in both the PFA Championship Team of the Season and the EFL Championship Team of the Season. Millwall also reached the playoffs, giving him experience in a team competing for promotion.

His performances were not limited to the league's regular schedule. In March, Azeez was nominated for the EFL Championship Player of the Month award after contributing to five Millwall goals during February.

There were also moments that showed his ability to produce decisive actions. Against West Bromwich Albion in October 2025, he scored a curling effort from outside the penalty area in Millwall's 3-0 win at The Den.

Brighton were therefore signing a winger with a clear record of producing in important matches, rather than taking a gamble on an untested player.

Azeez also arrived with senior international experience. He made his Nigeria debut in June 2026 against Zimbabwe and scored both goals in a 2-0 Super Eagles victory. Four days later, he assisted in Nigeria's 3-0 win over Jamaica.