New Brighton signing Femi Azeez has revealed that a conversation with head coach Fabian Hürzeler played a key role in his decision to join the Premier League club, describing the move as a “dream come true.”
Azeez spoke publicly for the first time since completing his move from Championship side Millwall in an interview released on Brighton’s official YouTube channel.
The 25-year-old completed a permanent move to the Seagulls on Wednesday, signing a four-year contract after Brighton agreed an initial £12.5 million fee with Millwall, with the overall package potentially rising beyond £15 million.
Reflecting on the move, Azeez admitted that the magnitude of the transfer is yet to fully sink in.
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“Unbelievable. It still hasn’t sunk in properly, but yeah, I’m over the moon. Delighted. And I can’t wait to get going,” he said.
Azeez revealed that his conversation with Hürzeler helped convince him that Brighton was the right destination despite interest from other clubs.
“Obviously, I had a chat with the manager beforehand and his attention to detail and everything that he was telling me got me really excited to come,” he said.
“The club has got a very good track record of developing players as well and I know the ambition and the drive, and everything about the club just aligned with me as a person. So, for me, I thought it was a great fit.”
The transfer represents the culmination of a remarkable rise for Azeez, who worked his way through the English football pyramid after being released into non-league football following his time at Watford’s academy.
He played for Northwood, Wealdstone and Hanwell Town before joining Reading in 2019. He subsequently moved to Millwall in August 2024 for a fee in the region of £1 million.
Azeez enjoyed his best season yet in the 2025/26 campaign, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists for Millwall as they reached the Championship playoffs. His performances earned him a place in both the PFA and EFL Championship Teams of the Season.
He also made an immediate impact after committing his senior international future to Nigeria, scoring both goals on his Super Eagles debut in a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe before providing an assist in a 3-0 win over Jamaica four days later.
Now preparing for his first Premier League campaign, Azeez acknowledged the significant step up from the Championship but believes his work ethic can help him adapt.
“It’s every young boy’s dream, isn’t it? Something I’ve been dreaming of for my whole life, and to be given this opportunity is like a dream come true really,” he said.
“I’m going to take this opportunity. I’m going to work hard. I want to be successful here so I’m over the moon.”
Despite his impressive Championship campaign, Azeez understands that the Premier League presents a different challenge.
“I’m confident. I obviously know the Premier League is a different step, different level to the Championship. One that I’ll have to get used to,” he said.
“But obviously with me as a person, hard work and ambitious, I have no doubts that hopefully I can bring what I showed last season again to Brighton this season and moving forward.”
The Nigerian also credited his journey through different levels of English football with helping him develop both as a player and as a person.
“Different leagues have different qualities, I guess, and obviously coming through the ranks you learn how to play football, you learn your personality as a footballer,” he explained.
“I think it’s definitely shaped me as a footballer. I’ve learned my trade and I’m just hoping I can do the same thing here.”
Azeez is not setting immediate statistical targets for his first Premier League season, instead prioritising adapting to his new surroundings and learning from his new teammates.
“Just settling into the Premier League, settling into the club. It’s a big step up from the Championship. I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself just yet because obviously this is a massive jump,” he said.
“If I just take it day by day, just work hard, come in every day, enjoy it, have a smile on my face, obviously listen to the guys that are here already, take feedback and grow.
“I think that’s the main thing for me right now. And then hopefully once I start being established in the team, then I can start setting real targets for myself.”
The Super Eagles forward also outlined what Brighton supporters can expect from him, highlighting his direct approach, creativity and willingness to work for the team.
“I’m direct and I love to take on players one v one. Love to get the better of my defenders. Put lots of crosses in the box. I create opportunities. I can score a few goals as well. I’ve got an eye for goal,” Azeez said.
“I like to create, direct, hard worker. Relentless, I guess. I just love working for the team. I love creating opportunities and love being exciting.”
Azeez could make his Brighton debut on Saturday when the Seagulls host Leeds United as they look to bounce back from a 4-3 defeat to Chelsea.
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