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 six years 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.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
