The transfer window is never short of drama, and this summer has been no exception. Southampton, keen to strengthen their squad for the season ahead, have turned their attention to one of the Championship’s most technically gifted attacking midfielders—Middlesbrough’s Finn Azaz. Reports suggest that the Saints have opened talks over a move potentially worth up to £12 million, a figure that underlines both the club’s ambition and the player’s growing reputation in English football.
Who is Finn Azaz?
For those less familiar with Azaz, the 23-year-old forward is a creative and versatile player who can operate across midfield and in advanced attacking roles. Born in Westminster, London, Azaz rose through the ranks at West Bromwich Albion before moving to Aston Villa in 2021. His progress was accelerated through successful loan spells at clubs like Cheltenham Town and Newport County, where his vision, passing range, and technical ability quickly caught the eye.
Azaz’s breakthrough into wider recognition came during his stint with Plymouth Argyle, where he played a key role in their promotion push and became one of the most exciting creative midfielders in League One. In January 2024, Middlesbrough secured his services from Aston Villa, convinced of his potential to thrive in the Championship. Since then, he has steadily adapted to Michael Carrick’s system, showcasing his composure on the ball, ability to pick out teammates in tight spaces, and knack for contributing goals from midfield.
Why Southampton Want Him
Southampton, under Russell Martin, are building a team defined by possession-based football, fluid movement, and creative interplay in the final third. Azaz, with his technical skillset, fits this blueprint almost perfectly.
One of the Saints’ challenges last season was converting dominance in possession into decisive attacking moments. While they boast quality in players like Adam Armstrong, Che Adams, and Carlos Alcaraz, there has been a need for someone capable of unlocking defences consistently with incisive passing. Azaz’s vision and versatility could make him that missing piece.
Moreover, Southampton’s hierarchy is focused on recruiting young, developing talents who not only improve the squad immediately but also retain resale value. At 23, Azaz fits that profile perfectly. His ability to adapt across multiple attacking roles would give Martin tactical flexibility while also increasing competition within the squad.
The Price Tag: £12 Million
Talks between the clubs have reportedly placed the deal’s value at up to £12 million. While that might appear steep for a player with only half a season at Middlesbrough, the modern transfer market is increasingly valuing potential over established stardom.
For Southampton, who are balancing the financial rewards of parachute payments with the urgency of returning to the Premier League, an investment in Azaz could be seen as a strategic gamble. His technical ceiling suggests he could be worth significantly more in years to come if he fulfils his potential.
For Middlesbrough, however, this is a delicate situation. Carrick and his staff rate Azaz highly and see him as a long-term part of their project. Losing him after only a short spell could disrupt their plans, especially as they aim to challenge for promotion themselves. Yet, a fee in the region of £12 million may prove too lucrative to refuse, particularly if it allows them to reinvest in other areas of the squad.
How He Would Fit at Southampton
Russell Martin has established a clear style of play at St. Mary’s: high possession, patient build-up, and creativity through the middle. Azaz would likely slot into an advanced midfield role, either as a No. 10 behind the striker or as part of a midfield three tasked with linking play between deeper midfielders and the attacking line.
His ability to operate in pockets of space would complement Armstrong’s direct running and Alcaraz’s late surges into the box. Additionally, Azaz’s passing range could help supply the wide players, particularly when Southampton look to stretch teams and break down low defensive blocks.
Given Martin’s emphasis on technical quality, Azaz’s comfort in tight situations and ability to retain possession under pressure would make him an asset not just in attack but also in ensuring Southampton control the tempo of games.
Competition and Potential Obstacles
Southampton are unlikely to be the only club keeping tabs on Azaz. His performances for Plymouth and Middlesbrough have already attracted interest from several Championship and lower Premier League clubs. If Saints want to secure his signature, they may need to move quickly before rivals swoop in.
Another potential obstacle is Azaz’s own decision-making. At Middlesbrough, he has a clear role under Carrick, who has built a reputation for developing young talents. At Southampton, while the project is ambitious, there would be no guarantee of immediate starting minutes given the competition in midfield. Azaz will need to weigh the prospect of regular football against the lure of joining a club with a strong Premier League pedigree and a realistic chance of promotion.
Wider Implications
Should Southampton succeed in signing Azaz, it would signal their continued intent to build one of the Championship’s most technically capable squads. Coupled with the signings they’ve already made, this would enhance their promotion credentials and provide Martin with another creative outlet.
For Middlesbrough, losing Azaz would be a blow, but reinvestment could strengthen them in other areas. Much will depend on whether Carrick and the board feel his departure could be offset by smart recruitment elsewhere.
Conclusion
Finn Azaz represents exactly the type of player Southampton are targeting in their pursuit of promotion: young, technically gifted, versatile, and with significant room for growth. A deal worth up to £12 million would be both a statement of intent and a reflection of the market’s current valuation of emerging talent.
Whether Middlesbrough are willing to part with him remains uncertain, but what is clear is that Southampton’s interest underlines their determination to reinforce their squad with players capable of delivering both immediate impact and long-term value. If the Saints can get this one over the line, it could prove to be one of the smartest pieces of business of the summer.
