From Northwood to the Amex - what a story! Brighton have pulled off a proper deadline-day coup.

In a move first reported by cbinews.tv, Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed the signing of Super Eagles winger Femi Azeez from Championship club Millwall on a four-year deal.

And this one went right to the wire. According to the club, both sides had to submit a deal sheet ahead of Tuesday’s 11pm deadline to buy themselves extra time until 1am on Wednesday to get it over the line.

While the Seagulls officially announced it as an undisclosed fee, reports put it at an initial £12.5 million with add-ons taking it beyond £15 million - which would make it a record sale for Millwall. The Athletic and BBC Sport suggest Brighton had at least three bids knocked back before Millwall finally said yes.

Sporting director Mike Cave couldn't hide his delight:

“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. He was one of the most exciting attacking talents in the Championship, and we're delighted to have finally agreed his transfer.”

By the numbers - why Brighton went all in

Let’s be honest, the stats tell you everything. Azeez made 77 appearances for the Lions, bagging 15 goals and providing 13 assists. Last season was his breakout - he was named in both the PFA and EFL Championship Teams of the Season for 2025/26 after firing Millwall into the play-offs.

It caps a proper football pyramid fairytale. The 25-year-old came through Watford's youth set-up, then grafted his way through non-league with Northwood, Wealdstone and Hanwell Town before getting his big break at Reading in 2019. He only joined Millwall in 2024, and now two years later he's a Premier League player.

That non-league to Premier League route? Brighton love it. Think Jamie Vardy, think Tariq Lamptey, think Moises Caicedo plucked from relative obscurity. It’s very much the Albion model - data-driven, low ego, high ceiling.

Naija connection getting stronger at the Amex

For Nigeria, this is huge. Azeez only made his Super Eagles debut in June this year, but what a debut - he scored both goals in a 2-0 win over Zimbabwe, then followed it up with an assist as Nigeria beat Jamaica 3-0 to win the Unity Cup in London.

He becomes the second Nigerian winger on Brighton’s books this season after the Seagulls earlier snapped up Zadok Yohanna from Swedish giants AIK Stockholm. From Ahmed Musa to Wilfred Ndidi in the Premier League, Nigerian wingers have always brought that direct pace and flair, and Azeez fits that mould perfectly.

From the Isthmian League to facing the likes of Arsenal and Man City. You can’t write it.

Source: cbinews.tv.

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