Brighton’s New Chapter: Femi Azeez Arrives as João Pedro Opens Up on Lewis Dunk

Brighton & Hove Albion have entered another important period of change, with the club continuing to reshape its squad while former Seagulls star João Pedro has provided an interesting insight into his time at the Amex.

One of the biggest recent developments concerns Femi Azeez, who Brighton pursued aggressively before the transfer deadline. The Nigerian winger became a major target for the Seagulls after an impressive 2025/26 Championship campaign with Millwall. Brighton initially saw offers rejected, with Millwall holding firm on a valuation of around £15 million.

Brighton eventually got their man. The club completed Azeez’s move from Millwall after negotiations went down to the final hours of the window. Reports put the initial fee at around £12.5 million, with add-ons potentially taking the overall package towards £15 million. He signed a four-year contract, with an option for another year.

The move represents a significant step in Azeez’s career. The 25-year-old had established himself as one of Millwall’s most dangerous attacking players, producing 11 goals and 11 assists in 35 league appearances last season according to reports. He was also recognised in the PFA Championship Team of the Year.

For Brighton, Azeez is another example of the club’s recruitment strategy: identify talented players before their value rises and give them the platform to develop at Premier League level. His ability to play from the right side, combined with his directness and attacking numbers, gives Fabian Hürzeler another option in an increasingly competitive squad.

The timing is also significant. Brighton have undergone considerable turnover, with several established players leaving while the club continues to bring in younger and hungry talent. Azeez therefore arrives with an opportunity to establish himself quickly rather than simply being another squad addition.

Away from the transfer market, João Pedro remains closely connected to Brighton’s story despite now being a Chelsea player. The Brazilian left the Amex for Chelsea in a deal reported at around £60 million, bringing an end to an important chapter of his Brighton career.

One of the most interesting aspects of João Pedro’s time at Brighton was his relationship with captain Lewis Dunk. Dunk has been a central figure at the club for years and remains an important leader in the dressing room. Brighton themselves have repeatedly described the defender as an important personality and skipper within the squad.

That relationship gives João Pedro’s comments extra significance. Footballers often speak about the teammates who influenced them most, and Dunk’s leadership has been particularly important at Brighton, where young players regularly arrive and develop.

Dunk’s importance extends beyond simply wearing the captain’s armband. He has been one of Brighton’s longest-serving players and has experienced the club’s transformation from a Championship side into an established Premier League team. By May 2025, he had already appeared in 265 of Brighton’s first 300 Premier League matches.

João Pedro’s Chelsea chapter has now begun, while Brighton are moving forward without one of their former attacking stars. Their recent activity illustrates the club’s ability to constantly rebuild rather than depend on one individual.

The arrival of Femi Azeez, therefore, is more than simply another transfer. It represents another opportunity for Brighton to turn potential into Premier League quality. At the same time, João Pedro’s reflections on Lewis Dunk highlight the importance of the experienced figures who have helped shape the club’s identity.

With new players arriving, established leaders remaining and former stars beginning new chapters elsewhere, Brighton’s story continues to evolve. The challenge now is for Hürzeler and his squad to turn all that change into consistent performances on the pitch.