Super Eagles new boy Femi Azeez says his future is out of his hands as speculation over a summer move continues to mount, with Aston Villa and Ipswich Town both linked with the Millwall forward following a breakthrough season in the Championship, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 24-year-old was one of the standout players in the second tier this season, scoring 11 goals and registering eight assists in 35 appearances across all competitions as Millwall narrowly missed out on promotion.
The Lions finished third in the Championship but fell at the playoff semi-final stage against Hull City. Despite the heartbreak, Azeez earned a place in the EFL Championship Team of the Season and caught the eye of Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, who handed him his senior international debut during the Unity Cup.
He marked the occasion with a brace in a 2-0 win over Zimbabwe before adding an assist in the 3-0 final victory over Jamaica as Nigeria retained the trophy.
Millwall have already knocked back a £20m bid from newly promoted Ipswich Town, while Aston Villa are also understood to be monitoring the situation. The Europa League champions could move more decisively if Morgan Rogers departs, with the England midfielder attracting reported interest from several top European clubs.
Azeez, speaking on the matter, was measured in his response.
“It is not up to me, you know. Now I am on holiday, and I want to enjoy it with my kids and prepare for the season with Millwall — so that is what I am thinking right now,” he said via FlashScore.
That relaxed public stance does not disguise his ambitions, which he has made no secret of. “As a footballer, you always want to play at the highest level you can play at. The Premier League is the pinnacle of football. I would love to play in the Premier League. So obviously, I am working hard, and I am going to do whatever I can to get there,” Azeez had told PUNCH Sports Extra.
With Millwall not playing Premier League football next season, the pressure to cash in on their prized asset will only grow if the right offer arrives. Ipswich, having already shown their hand, could return with an improved bid, and Villa’s continued interest ensures the situation will be one to watch as the window opens.