Semi Ajayi looks set to leave West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season, with both Reading and Hull City reportedly holding talks to sign the Nigerian international on a free transfer.
The 31-year-old defender is out of contract in less than three months, and West Brom have yet to offer a renewal. According to Africa Foot, both Reading and Hull are keen to secure his services ahead of the 2025/26 campaign and have already entered into discussions with the player’s representatives.
Ajayi, represented by agency Wasserman, has spent his entire senior career in the UK and is now weighing up his next move. Agent Larry Oban confirmed the clubs’ interest and revealed that West Brom’s lack of a contract offer makes a departure inevitable.
“He [Ajayi] will definitely leave West Brom, as they haven’t shown any serious intention of renewing his contract. He’s happy there, but he’ll leave if they don’t make an offer,” said Oban. “He’s already in talks with Reading and Hull, who admire his versatility and experience. An assessment will take place in the coming weeks, but he’ll be there somewhere next season.”
Ajayi joined West Brom from Rotherham United in 2019 and has since made over 100 appearances for the Baggies, including a memorable Premier League goal against Liverpool at Anfield in December 2020. Despite his contributions, he now appears to be surplus to requirements at The Hawthorns.
Previous Experience
Prior to his time in the West Midlands, Ajayi had spells at Arsenal, Cardiff City, and Rotherham, gaining a reputation as a strong, versatile centre-back with attacking qualities. He began his career in Charlton Athletic’s academy and later moved to Arsenal, where he regularly featured for the U21s and made several appearances on the senior bench without debuting.
Loan spells at AFC Wimbledon and Crewe Alexandra followed before he established himself at Rotherham, where he won the club’s Goal of the Season award in 2019 and helped them gain promotion from League One. His performances that year earned him the EFL Championship Player of the Month for March.
Ajayi made his international debut for Grenada in June 2024, adding to an already well-travelled and experienced CV.
Writer’s View
Ajayi’s exit from West Brom seems inevitable, and it’s surprising that the club hasn’t made any effort to retain an experienced defender with top-flight pedigree. For Reading and Hull City, snapping him up on a free could be a shrewd piece of business. At 31, he still offers plenty—particularly for clubs with promotion ambitions or those rebuilding their backlines.
