Recently relegated Southampton have agreed a deal for one of the Championship’s standout players last season.
The Saints’ return to the second tier hasn’t been as smooth as many would’ve expected. A win, a draw, and a defeat — in that order — puts them 10th with four points.
Several players have left the club since their relegation from the Premier League. However, they’ve recruited well and managed to keep many players capable of playing at a higher level.
With the transfer window nearing a close, the Saints are continuing to make additions to their side. The club are reported to have agreed a deal with Middlesbrough for their star, Finn Azaz.
Southampton Closing in on Finn Azaz
Sky Sports News editor, Lyall Thomas, shared on his X that the Saints have reached an agreement with Boro over a deal for Azaz.
The deal is reported to be around £15million, with £12m upfront and £3m in add-ons.
Azaz’s Fine Form Last Season
The Irish midfielder was one of the standout players in the Championship last season. He finished the campaign with an average rating of 7.28 from Sofascore, the highest in the Boro squad and the third highest in the whole league.
He played 45 times for Boro last season, scoring 12 goals in total. Azaz finished the season with a goal every 298 minutes, 2.7 shots per game, and 0.9 shots on target. Impressively, he only missed five big chances.
Azaz was also key creatively for Middlesbrough. He picked up 11 assists, creating 10 big chances, and recording two key passes per game on average.
His 23 goal contributions were the third highest in the league, behind Joel Piroe (26) and Josh Brownhill (24).
Azaz has started this season in a similar style, picking up a goal and assists in his two appearances for Boro.
How Impressive is This Signing?
It’s certainly an eye-catching signing from Southampton, at a price that seems pretty cheap, in this market.
Azaz, who is still only 24, showed last season he’s a goal and assist threat against any side. He was pivotal in Boro’s season and was unlucky not to guide them to the play-offs.
Last season wasn’t new for Azaz either. In the 2023/24 Championship season, he recorded 11 goals and 10 assists.
If he can do it for a third season in a row, now in the colours of Southampton, it’s hard to argue against the Saints’ chances of at least reaching the play-offs.