Friday, June 20, 2025 - Nigerian international Semi Ajayi has signed a two-year deal with English Championship side Hull City, with the club holding an option for a further year.
The 31-year-old defender joins the Tigers after a six-year
spell at West Bromwich Albion, where he made 177 appearances and scored 13
goals. Hull City confirmed the signing on their official website on Wednesday.
“Hull City are delighted to announce the signing of
experienced defender Semi Ajayi on a two-year contract, with a club option of
an additional year,” the club said in a statement.
Ajayi will officially join the team on July 1 and arrives
with significant Championship experience, having played over 200 matches in the
division. Known for his versatility, he can also operate as a holding
midfielder.
He was a key figure during West Brom’s 2019/20 promotion
campaign and featured 33 times in the Premier League the following season. He
also helped the Baggies reach the Championship play-offs in the 2023/24 season.
Before his time at West Brom, Ajayi impressed at Rotherham
United, scoring 15 goals in 108 appearances and playing a key role in their
2017/18 League One play-off victory.
Born in Crayford, England, Ajayi began his career with
Charlton Athletic and Arsenal, and has played across all five tiers of English
football, including spells at Crewe Alexandra, AFC Wimbledon, and Dartford.
On the international stage, Ajayi has earned 43 caps for
Nigeria and was an ever-present during the Super Eagles’ run to the 2023 Africa
Cup of Nations final
Speaking to the club's media team after sealing the move,
Ajayi expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter:
“I’m really excited. I spoke to the
sporting director, Jared Dublin, and head of recruitment, Martin Hodge, and
they sold me on the vision of the club. The goal is to challenge at the top end
of the league—and that’s exactly where I see myself.
“I bring Championship experience,
leadership, and I’m comfortable on the ball, good in the air, and quick—which
Jared and Martin valued highly. I had a great six years at West Brom, but I’m
hungry to prove myself again at Hull City.”
Ajayi missed a large portion of last season due to injury but
recently returned to action, playing for Nigeria in the 2025 Unity Cup—where
the Super Eagles defeated Ghana and Jamaica—and featuring in the 1-1 friendly
draw against Russia in Moscow on June 6.
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