A key first-team player is off to Millwall.
Reading had gone so long this summer without cashing in on a key first-team player, but one has finally left. Femi Azeez has been sold to Millwall, agreeing a long-term deal with the Championship club, for a fee described by Reading as “substantial”. South London Press journalist Rich Cawley has the figure in the region of £1m.
Azeez had been out of contract this summer originally, but his stay in Berkshire was extended by another 12 months after a clause in his deal was activated. That did at least mean Reading got a fee for someone who would have otherwise, like so many others in recent years, left the Royals on a free.
Ruben Selles said:
“Everyone at the club would like to thank Femi for his five years of service, and wish him well for his future career.
“Our philosophy is to create an environment for our people to shine, and consequently we have a group full of talented players who attract the interest of other clubs at high levels across Europe.
“As a result of the combination of Femi’s hard work and the platform of support he has received from his teammates and staff members, he has been given the opportunity to perform at a high level for our club.”
Reading’s next task is finding a replacement for Azeez in the transfer window, although Mamadi Camara has deputised for Azeez in the first team recently, and done so well. Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan has the left-wing spot nailed down, while Andre Garcia and Adrian Akande have also been used out wide this season.
While a new arrival won’t come in through the door until a takeover is done, we at The Tilehurst End have been told that Sunderland winger Jewison Bennette has been lined up as a loan addition. Watch this space.
Speculation about Azeez’ exit properly started right before the season opener at Birmingham City, when he was unexpectedly left out of the XI. While Ruben Selles put that down to a back injury, rumours on social media persisted, before Azeez’ exit was finally reported - by multiple outlets - on Tuesday night after the win over West Ham United.
Sounds like @readingfc fans need to brace themselves for the news Femi Azeez will leave for Millwall tomorrow. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen - but looks likely. Hopefully Rob Couhig being confirmed as new owner will keep the feel good factor that’s growing at the club.
— Tim Dellor (@TimDellor) August 20, 2024
Azeez took his time getting going in Reading’s first team. He made his debut all the way back in the 2020/21 season against Sheffield Wednesday off the bench, before really announcing himself to the fans by scoring twice in the first three league games of 2021/22. However, long-term injury would severely restrict the rest of his season.
In fact, he didn’t have a run of more than four consecutive league games in the side until early 2023 under Paul Ince. He was used as a winger, wing-back and centre-forward by Ince and interim successor Noel Hunt as Reading fell into League One.
The drop in division didn’t pay off for Azeez, at least not at first. Despite Ruben Selles’ persistent belief in the forward, playing him in every single League One match of 2023/24, Azeez struggled for confidence until November.
And then things clicked. A late goal against Carlisle United was the spark Azeez desperately needed, and he would end the season with an impressive haul of nine goals and nine assists from 52 appearances. Not bad at all for a wide player, let alone one who was playing catch-up after a poor late summer and autumn.
You’re spoiled for special moments from those 18 goal involvements, but my favourite would be the late winner at home to Exeter City. Azeez rifled the ball home from range in the 77th minute, meaning the Royals kicked off 2024 triumphant - and by moving out of the relegation zone.
While Azeez was somewhat frustrating, with his inconsistency returning after that Exeter game on New Year’s Day, he’s certainly a talented player. His confident dribbling, finishing (more so with his left foot) and intense work rate out of possession made him an ideal fit to be a wide player in Selles’ system.
I can’t begrudge him a move to Millwall. Azeez more than played his part in keeping Reading in the division last season - without him we’d have likely been relegated, he was never lacking in commitment to the team, and has ultimately chosen to take a logical next step in his career.
Millwall offer him better footballing prospects at this point in time and better financial ones too - something that has to be factored in for someone who became a father earlier this year. Let’s also not forget that previous long-term injuries will have made it clear to Azeez that he must take chances such as this one when they arise.
He deserves the legacy of being a key player in The Great Escape that was Reading’s crazy, but ultimately satisfying, 2023/24 season.
So long Femi, thanks for the memories, and good luck for the future.
