Femi Azeez says joining Brighton & Hove Albion represents a “dream come true” after completing his move from Millwall on transfer deadline day.
The Nigeria international has signed a four-year contract with the Premier League club following an impressive spell with the Sky Bet Championship side. Azeez, 25, said the chance to play in England’s top flight was an ambition he had held throughout his career and that he was determined to make the most of the opportunity.
“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,” Azeez told Brighton’s official website.
“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.”
Azeez said discussions with Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler played an important part in his decision to move to the club, despite interest from elsewhere.
The winger was impressed by the detail in Hurzeler’s explanation of Brighton’s plans and felt the club’s approach matched his own ambitions and personality.
“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.”
Azeez arrives at Brighton after producing the best campaign of his career so far with Millwall last season. He scored 11 goals and supplied eight assists, performances which earned him selection in the PFA Championship Team of the Season.
The move will take him into a higher level of competition, but Azeez believes the work ethic and ambition that helped him succeed in the Championship can also serve him well in the Premier League.
He acknowledged that he would need time to adapt to the demands of top-flight football, while expressing confidence that he could reproduce the form he showed at The Den.
“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 added.
“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.”
Brighton have a strong reputation for developing players, something which also appealed to Azeez as he considered his next move. His four-year agreement gives him the opportunity to continue his progress at a club competing in the Premier League.
The transfer was completed on deadline day, bringing an end to his time at Millwall and opening the next stage of his career with Brighton & Hove Albion.