Semi Ajayi signs two-year deal with option of extension at Championship side Hull City

SUPER Eagles centreback Semi Ajayi has signed a two year deal with English Championship side Hull City with the club having the option of extending the contract for another year if they want to.

Ajayi, 31, has spent the last six seasons at West Bromwich Albion (WBA) and made a total of 200 appearances in the English Championship over an extensive career with the club and  Rotherham. Last season, Ajayi's campaign was wracked with hamstring injuries, restricting him to just 14 starts for the Baggies, with three of those coming since the beginning of November.

Last month, his contract with WBA expired and talks began with Hull, who managed to avoid relegation on the last day of the season. It is hoped that signing Ajayi, who has 43 international caps, will help solidify their backline and allow the club to avoid another relegation dogfight during the forthcoming season.     

Ajayi said: “I’m really excited. I spoke to the sporting director Jared Dublin and the head of recruitment Martin Hodge and they sold me on the vision of the club and the plans for this season. The club wants to challenge at the top end of the league and that’s where I see myself challenging. When I heard the vision, I couldn’t wait to get involved in the project.

“I feel I can bring Championship know-how, experience and leadership. I am comfortable on the ball, good in the air and my pace is an asset Jared and Martin spoke highly of. We all know how tough the Championship is, and I can’t wait to bring some of my experience to the group.

“I had a really good six years at West Brom but it’s exciting to have a new challenge now. I’m coming in with a lot of hunger to prove myself again and do as well as I can as a Hull City player.”

Semi Ajayi was instrumental in Nigeria's recent 2025 Unity Cup triumph, scoring in the 2-1 victory over Ghana in the opening game. In 177 games for West Brom, the lanky defender scored 13 goals and provided three assists.