Stoke City may well be looking back with a great sense of frustration over a transfer opportunity that slipped through their fingers, as Millwall now appear to have a player on their hands who is valued at more than £15 million. Femi Azeez has been nothing short of sensational since making the move from Reading to Millwall in the summer of 2024. Interestingly, he could easily have ended up at another Championship club had Reading accepted an earlier approach from one of Millwall’s rivals.
Under the guidance of manager Alex Neil at The Den, Millwall have once again put together an impressive campaign. Their push for a top-six finish is gathering serious momentum, and much of their success has been driven by the outstanding performances of Azeez. The winger has contributed seven goals and four assists in just 22 league appearances, playing a decisive role in the Lions’ attacking output this season.
In a forward line that already includes talented players such as Camiel Neghli, Mihailo Ivanovic, and Thierno Ballo, it is Azeez who has consistently stood out. His direct style, pace, and creativity have made him one of the most dangerous wide players in the division. It is no surprise, therefore, that speculation surrounding his future has intensified. As recently as the January transfer window, Ipswich Town attempted to secure his services, reportedly submitting offers exceeding £15 million. However, Millwall stood firm and rejected those bids, underlining just how highly they value the 24-year-old.
What makes the situation even more intriguing is that Azeez might not even be at Millwall today had events unfolded differently. Before his move to The Den, Stoke City had the chance to sign him. According to reports, Stoke—then managed by Steven Schumacher, who now oversees Bolton Wanderers—made an approach to Reading for the winger. However, their bid was turned down. While the exact figure of Stoke’s offer remains unclear, it is believed to have been below the £1 million that Millwall eventually paid to secure his signature.
At the time, Azeez had just completed an excellent League One campaign with Reading, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists while featuring in all 46 league matches. His consistency and attacking threat were clear indicators of his potential. Since stepping up to the Championship with Millwall, he has not only maintained his level but elevated it further. After registering two goals and five assists in his debut season at the higher level, he has already surpassed that goal tally by five this term—and the season is far from finished.
Meanwhile, Stoke City’s season has taken a disappointing turn. After showing early promise, they have slipped down the table and struggled for consistency. One of their most pressing issues has been a lack of cutting edge in the final third. Given Azeez’s current form, it is hard not to imagine how much of a difference he could have made at the bet365 Stadium.
Manager Mark Robins is reportedly under increasing pressure from supporters due to the team’s downturn in results. With goals proving difficult to come by, the presence of a dynamic and in-form winger like Azeez could have significantly eased the burden on the squad.
Although Stoke are not short of options on the right flank—boasting players such as Million Manhoef, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, and Lamine Cisse—none have consistently delivered the impact the team requires. As a result, much of the creative and goal-scoring responsibility has fallen on Welsh winger Sorba Thomas. Operating primarily from the left, Thomas has been directly involved in nearly half of Stoke’s Championship goals this season, highlighting the imbalance in their attacking play.
If Stoke had managed to secure Azeez, they might have had a similarly influential presence on the opposite wing, providing balance and additional firepower. Instead, Millwall are now the beneficiaries of his rapid rise in value and reputation.
Looking back, Stoke must feel a sense of regret that they did not push slightly harder financially to complete the deal when they had the chance. For Mark Robins in particular, having a player of Azeez’s calibre at his disposal could have transformed his attacking options and possibly altered the course of their campaign.
