Nigeria Players Abroad
Millwall will demand full value if Femi Azeez leaves, says Alex Neil
Millwall manager Alex Neil says the club will not be pressured into selling Femi Azeez for less than his value, with Premier League newcomers Hull City and several European clubs reportedly interested in the winger.
The Lions are understood to be seeking about €20m for the 25-year-old, who has emerged as one of the Championship’s most productive attacking players.
Millwall rejected offers from Ipswich Town for Azeez in January and Neil says the club remain in a strong position because they are under no obligation to sell their key players.
Azeez joined Millwall from Reading for just over £1m in the summer of 2024. He went on to score 11 goals and provide eight assists in the Championship last season, performances which earned him a place in the division’s Team of the Season.
“When the window’s open I don’t think we ever get distracted. Good players attract interest, it’s as simple as that,” Neil told NewsAtDen.
“It’s no secret that in January Femi had interest and bids made for him. Jimmy, supporting the team, the club, myself, decided he wasn’t taking any bids for any of our key players at that moment, which was great. It allowed us to then go finish third and Femi was a fundamental part of that.
“But like every player, every player’s got their price.
“What I will say is that if anybody is trying to undercut us or go cheap on it, then we don’t need to sell anybody. It puts us in a strong position in that sense.”
Neil said he had expected Azeez to attract significant attention after his performances over the past two seasons and suggested there could yet be increased competition for his signature.
“I’m surprised, honestly, that there’s not been a bit of an auction on Femi to this point. You buy goals and assists, and Femi has been as good as anybody in the last season or two at this level.
“Let’s see what the next few weeks bring.”
Azeez’s displays have established him as a key part of a Millwall side that finished third in the Championship. His form has also brought interest from outside England, while Hull City are among the clubs reportedly monitoring his situation after their promotion to the Premier League.
The winger’s contract situation and Millwall’s asking price mean any potential transfer is likely to depend on whether an interested club is prepared to meet the Lions’ valuation. Neil’s comments make clear that Millwall will not be forced into accepting a reduced fee, particularly after retaining Azeez during the January transfer window and benefiting from his contribution to their successful campaign.
