Ipswich have submitted a bid for a “powerful” £30m striker who averages two goals per game for his national team.

Ipswich Town F.C. have reportedly intensified their efforts to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season by submitting a significant offer for Femi Azeez.

According to reports, Ipswich have lodged a £20 million bid for the highly-rated Millwall F.C. winger, but the proposal has already been rejected by the Championship side, who are believed to value the player closer to £30 million.

The Nigerian international has emerged as one of the most exciting attacking talents outside the Premier League after a breakthrough campaign in the Championship, and his performances have attracted growing attention from several clubs.

Ipswich Looking to Follow Sunderland’s Example

Ipswich are preparing for an ambitious summer transfer window after securing promotion back to the Premier League, and the club’s leadership believe intelligent recruitment will be crucial if they are to survive in the top flight.

The success achieved by Sunderland A.F.C. has reportedly provided inspiration for the Tractor Boys. Sunderland’s qualification for the Europa League demonstrated how quickly a promoted Championship side can establish itself with the right strategy and recruitment model.

Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton recently spoke about the challenge awaiting the club in the Premier League and explained why they intend to take an aggressive approach in the transfer market.

“The Championship is brutal, but the Premier League is the best and toughest league in the world for a reason,” Ashton explained.

He also pointed toward clubs such as Brentford F.C., Brighton & Hove Albion F.C., Leeds United F.C., and Nottingham Forest F.C. as examples of teams who have successfully adapted after promotion.

According to Ashton, those clubs provide encouragement that Ipswich can also establish themselves in the division if they recruit effectively and remain ambitious.

“I think we’ll have to take a different approach to it this year, particularly around player and talent recruitment,” Ashton said.

“But we’ll be front-footed, investors have already said they want to back to the hilt and we’ll go again.”

Tractor Boys Already Active in the Market

Ipswich have already begun strengthening their squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The club recently completed permanent deals for defender Cedric Kipre and striker Chuba Akpom as they continue reshaping the squad for Premier League football.

However, the pursuit of Azeez suggests Ipswich are determined to add further attacking quality and creativity before the transfer window closes.

The winger’s pace, dribbling ability, and attacking output have reportedly made him one of the club’s top targets.

Millwall Holding Firm Over £30 Million Valuation

Despite Ipswich’s substantial opening offer, Millwall appear unwilling to sell cheaply.

The London club are believed to value Azeez at around £30 million and feel they are in a strong negotiating position because the player remains under contract until 2028.

Millwall are also understood to be aware of significant interest from other clubs, which has strengthened their resolve to demand a premium fee for one of their most valuable assets.

After narrowly missing out on promotion to the Premier League themselves, the Championship side are reluctant to lose a player who played such an important role during the 2025-26 campaign.

Ruben Selles Previously Praised Azeez’s Development

Azeez’s rise has not happened overnight.

During his earlier spell with Reading F.C., the winger received praise from former manager Ruben Selles, who highlighted both his improvement and determination.

“I think Femi has been doing a really good job for us the entire season,” Selles said at the time.

The coach admitted that the winger initially struggled to convert promising performances into goals and assists but insisted that his attitude and commitment to improvement stood out.

“In the beginning, he needed a little bit more luck with his end product, but he has been working hard on that,” Selles explained.

According to Selles, once Azeez began contributing consistently in the final third, his confidence increased dramatically.

“And when he finally got it, he now has that confidence. He is just such a powerful player for us,” the former Reading boss added.

Championship Breakthrough Raised His Reputation

Since leaving Reading, Azeez has taken his game to another level with Millwall.

The Nigerian winger established himself as one of the Championship’s standout attacking players during the 2025-26 season, registering 11 goals and eight assists in 35 league appearances.

His creativity, direct running, and ability to influence matches consistently made him one of the division’s most dangerous wide players.

Millwall relied heavily on his attacking contributions throughout the campaign as they mounted a serious promotion challenge.

The Lions eventually reached the play-off semi-finals before suffering elimination at the hands of Hull City A.F.C..

Even though promotion ultimately slipped away, Azeez’s performances significantly boosted his reputation and market value.

Statistics Highlight Rapid Improvement

A comparison of Azeez’s recent seasons illustrates just how dramatically his career has progressed.

During the 2024-25 campaign, the winger recorded seven goal involvements in 34 league appearances for Millwall.

However, his production improved massively during the following season.

In 35 Championship appearances throughout 2025-26, Azeez contributed 19 goal involvements, combining goals and assists to become one of the most productive attackers in the division.

That sharp improvement has convinced several clubs that he may now be ready for the challenge of Premier League football.

Strong International Start With Nigeria

Azeez’s growing reputation is not limited to club football.

The 24-year-old recently made his debut for the Nigeria national football team and immediately made a major impression.

In a friendly match against Zimbabwe earlier this week, the winger scored twice during his first international appearance, helping Nigeria secure victory.

That remarkable debut means Azeez is currently averaging two goals per game for his country, an eye-catching statistic that has only added to the excitement surrounding his potential.

The performance also demonstrated his confidence and ability to deliver on bigger stages.

Premier League Opportunity May Be Perfect Next Step

Given his development over the past year, many observers believe Azeez may now be ready to test himself at the highest level of English football.

Ipswich clearly see the winger as someone capable of improving their attacking options and helping the club avoid relegation during their return to the Premier League.

His pace, physicality, and direct style could suit the demands of top-flight football, while his versatility across attacking positions would offer additional tactical flexibility.

However, whether Ipswich can convince Millwall to lower their demands remains uncertain.

With the Championship side determined to hold out for £30 million and rival clubs also monitoring the situation, negotiations may still have a long way to go.

For now, though, Ipswich have made their intentions clear by submitting a major opening offer for one of the Championship’s fastest-rising stars.