A significant transfer move is on the horizon for Aston Villa, as they anticipate earning £2.5 million from the impending sale of midfielder Finn Azaz to Middlesbrough. The 23-year-old product of the Albion academy is poised to part ways with Villa, marking the end of a two-and-a-half-year stint with the club. Azaz initially joined Villa on a free transfer from West Bromwich Albion but, notably, has never been included in a matchday squad during his tenure.
Azaz’s journey at Villa has been characterized by extensive loan spells, beginning with a stint at Newport in League Two. Over the past 18 months, he has been loaned out to Plymouth, where he played a pivotal role in their successful promotion campaign from League One last season. Despite his absence from Villa’s first-team squad, Azaz’s loan experiences have provided him with valuable playing time and exposure to different footballing environments.
The midfielder has showcased his prowess by scoring seven goals in the Championship this season, a feat that has not gone unnoticed by numerous clubs. Middlesbrough has emerged as the frontrunner in the race for Azaz’s signature, successfully fending off competition from other suitors, including Bristol City.
The potential completion of this deal raises the intriguing prospect of Azaz facing his current club when Villa visits Teesside for the FA Cup third-round tie on Saturday. This scenario adds a layer of drama to the upcoming match, with Azaz potentially lining up against Villa, the club he has been associated with for the past two and a half years.
Azaz’s impending departure signifies a financial gain for Villa, with the anticipated £2.5 million transfer fee contributing to the club’s coffers. The decision to part ways with the midfielder reflects the strategic considerations made by Villa’s management, emphasizing the club’s focus on squad dynamics, player development, and financial sustainability.
Despite not making a first-team appearance for Villa, Azaz’s impact has been felt through his productive loan spells, especially at Plymouth, where he played a pivotal role in their ascent to a higher division. The experience gained during these loan stints has undoubtedly contributed to his development as a player, making him an attractive prospect for clubs in the Championship.
As Azaz’s departure draws closer, the attention now turns to the potential reunion on the field. If the deal is finalized in time, the FA Cup clash between Middlesbrough and Villa could see Azaz donning the colors of his new club against his former teammates. This narrative adds an extra layer of intrigue to the match, capturing the essence of football’s unpredictable and dramatic storyline.
In the ever-evolving landscape of football transfers, Azaz’s journey from Villa to Middlesbrough serves as a testament to the dynamic nature of player movements, loan experiences, and the financial considerations that clubs must navigate. As the details of the deal unfold, football enthusiasts will keenly observe how Azaz’s career trajectory continues to unfold, both in the short term and as he embarks on a new chapter with Middlesbrough. The upcoming FA Cup encounter presents an opportunity for Azaz to make an immediate impact in his new colors and leave a lasting impression on both sets of supporters.
Leave a Reply