Exclusive: Semi Ajayi Dismisses Injury Claims Behind West Brom Exit as He Backs Hull City Promotion Project

Defender Semi Ajayi has dismissed suggestions that injury problems influenced his departure from West Bromwich Albion, insisting his decision to join Hull City was driven by belief in the club’s ambitions.

The 32-year-old Nigeria international agreed a two-year deal with Hull City in the summer and officially joined the Tigers on 1 July when his contract with West Brom expired.

Ajayi spent six seasons at The Hawthorns, making 170 league appearances and playing a key role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League in the 2019-20 campaign.

‘I like the project’

Injuries limited Ajayi to 15 league appearances last season, prompting speculation that his fitness record contributed to West Brom’s decision not to retain him.

However, speaking to SportsBoom, Ajayi rejected that narrative and said Hull City’s long-term vision convinced him to make the move.

"No (rejecting the injury claims), I joined Hull City because I like the project," he told SportsBoom.com

"I bought into the idea because we have better chances of winning promotion back to the Premier League and as you see we are doing well and fighting to give ourselves a chance."

Premier League experience

Ajayi was an ever-present figure during West Brom’s promotion-winning season and went on to make 33 Premier League appearances in the following campaign. Last term, he also contributed as the Baggies reached the Championship play-offs.

Since linking up with Hull City, he has started 12 matches and made three substitute appearances, scoring once and clocking up 867 minutes of action.

Hull are currently seventh in the Championship, four points clear of the teams below them and four points adrift of the automatic promotion places.

Promotion target

Ajayi says his focus is firmly on helping Hull City push for a return to the top flight.

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

The defender has missed Hull’s last two matches due to international duty with Nigeria in Morocco as part of qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ajayi has featured in four matches during the campaign, helping the three-time African champions win all of their games so far.