Semi Ajayi Eyes Premier League Return, Dismisses Injury Claims Behind West Brom Exit

Super Eagles defender Oluwasemilore Ajayi, popularly known as Semi Ajayi, has expressed his ambition to return to the Premier League, while dismissing suggestions that injuries prompted his departure from West Bromwich Albion.

In an interview with UK sports website SportsBoom, Ajayi explained that his move to Hull City was motivated by his belief in the English Championship club’s long-term vision.

Ajayi spent six seasons at West Brom, making 170 league appearances and playing a key role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League during the 2019–20 season. The 32-year-old left The Hawthorns last summer, signing a two-year contract with Hull City on July 1, 2025, after his West Brom contract expired.

Despite a few fitness issues limiting him to 15 league appearances in the 2024/25 season, Ajayi denied that injuries influenced West Brom’s decision not to retain him.

“No, I joined Hull City because I like the project,” he told SportsBoom. “I bought into the idea because we have better chances of winning promotion back to the Premier League. As you see, we are doing well and fighting to give ourselves a chance.”

Having gained substantial experience in the Premier League, where he was a regular during West Brom’s promotion-winning campaign and made 33 top-flight appearances the following season, Ajayi believes Hull can challenge for promotion this season. Last term, he also contributed to West Brom’s Championship play-off campaign, which ultimately fell short of promotion.

Since joining Hull, currently seventh in the Championship, four points off the automatic promotion spots, Ajayi has started 12 matches, made three substitute appearances, scored once, and logged 867 minutes on the pitch.

“My target is to play as many games as possible and help my teammates achieve our objectives,” Ajayi said. “Obviously, it’s a dream to return to the Premier League. It’s not going to be easy, but we can achieve it.”