Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi is already looking to the future, as he plans for life ahead of the 2025/2026 football season, following his exit from English Championship outfit West Bromwich Albion.
The 31-year-old was among the 14 players released by the Hawthorns, following a dismal end to their 2024/2025 campaign, which saw the club finish ninth, with the Championship play-offs only just out of reach.
The Baggies had started the season brightly under Spanish tactician Carlos Corberan, however, the former goalkeeper left Albion for La Liga outfit Valencia midway through the campaign, which forced West Brom to pitch tent with Tony Mowbray.
However, Mowbray was unable to replicate the gains during the early season, only winning five out of his 17 games in charge, which prompted the club’s hierarchy to dismiss him in April.
Part of the club’s rebuilding process was to offload fringe players, out-of-contract stars and high earners as they look towards a comeback, of which Ajayi was affected.
Ajayi, who spent six years at the Hawthorns, was a key player during Albion’s promotion to the Premier League in 2019/2020, but two injury blows across the campaign brought his stay at the club to an abrupt end. He subsequently took to Instagram to send a farewell message to the club, “West Bromwich Albion will always hold a special place in my heart, and the memories we’ve shared will stay with me for a lifetime. I sincerely wish everyone connected to the club all the very best for the future.”
Despite his exit from West Brom, Ajayi is still courting interests from both League One and Championship teams, and is currently in talks with Reading and Hull City.
Ajayi made 15 appearances this season, compared to 26 in the 2023/2024 campaign, playing a total of 1,230 minutes, winning six tackles and collecting five yellow cards. He also had no goal contribution during the just-concluded campaign.
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