Southampton Agrees £15m Deal for Middlesbrough Midfielder Finn Azaz

Southampton have agreed to sign Republic of Ireland international Finn Azaz from Middlesbrough for a reported £15 million deal, comprising an initial £12 million fee plus £3 million in add-ons. The 24-year-old midfielder joined Middlesbrough from Aston Villa in January 2024 for £2.5 million and has been a standout performer, scoring 17 goals and providing 17 assists in 68 appearances. Azaz has expressed a desire to move, prompting Middlesbrough to accept Southampton's improved offer after rejecting an initial bid. Southampton, currently 10th in the Championship under new head coach Will Still, see Azaz as a key creative addition to help their push for Premier League promotion. Middlesbrough, who sit second in the Championship, will benefit from a significant financial boost, marking one of their highest transfer sales. Both clubs are finalizing the deal, with Azaz expected to join Southampton imminently.