Middlesbrough fans will hate what Finn Azaz just said about his future as Premier League clubs circle
Premier League clubs have started to look at what it will take to bring Finn Azaz to their club this transfer window, following his impressive season at Middlesbrough this season.
As has become common in recent months, more and more of Boro’s best players are being linked with moves elsewhere.
Emmanuel Latte Lath left Middlesbrough earlier this year to link up with Atlanta United in the MLS.
Fellow star Rav van den Berg could leave the club as teams look at bringing the defender into their sides as the Teessiders failed to make the play-offs last year.
The sacking of Michael Carrick and replacing him with Rob Edwards makes the short-term future of Middlesbrough uncertain.
This may see them needing to be wary of interest in the Republic of Ireland international.
- READ MORE: Championship expert questions Rob Edwards’ appointment by Middlesbrough as ‘style of play’ fear issued
Finn Azaz wants ‘to be playing at the highest level’ amid Premier League interest
Azaz spoke to the Irish Independent while on holiday following international duty with the Republic of Ireland, where the nation faced Senegal and Luxembourg.
The creative midfielder addressed his future with the club as he looks to achieve his dream of playing in the World Cup with Ireland.
He said: “I’m playing at a high level now. The Championship is a really competitive league.
“I’m fully aware that I have those ambitions. I’m looking at the World Cup next summer, and I want to be playing at the highest level to make myself as competitive as possible for the qualifiers.”
While he is happy to play his football with Middlesbrough and believes it is a high level as they came close to the Championship play-offs, he wants to play at the highest level with the Premier League pair of Bournemouth and Leeds United interested.
Finn Azaz’s journey back to the Premier League
Azaz has had to find another pathway to the Premier League after failing to break through at Aston Villa in his three seasons at the club.
During those three seasons the club loaned him out to Newport County at League Two level before Plymouth Argyle loaned him for a season and a half as they went from League One to the Championship.
| Team | Appearances | Goal | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | |
| 2021-22 | Newport County | 44 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022-23 | Plymouth Argyle | 39 | 8 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| 2023-24 | Plymouth Argyle | 28 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| 2023-24 | Middlesbrough | 20 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024-25 | Middlesbrough | 46 | 12 | 11 | 6 | 0 |
Middlesbrough would sign Azaz from Villa for an undisclosed fee, taking a risk on the Irish international; however, he has performed for the club since joining in January of 2024, making 66 appearances and scoring 16 goals.
Now, Azaz is a Republic of Ireland international, making seven appearances since joining the Teessiders, making his debut in 2024.
Middlesbrough fans are undecided on the sale of Josh Coburn to Millwall, they are ‘shocked’ by the news
Millwall have got right down to business as they plan a march on the Championship play-offs this season, bringing in Josh Coburn from Middlesbrough.
Middlesbrough and Millwall both ended the 2024/25 second tier season in similar circumstances by failing to achieve a top-six place.
The Teessiders’ failure to reach the play-offs brought about the decision to remove Michael Carrick as manager, replacing him with Rob Edwards in the position.
Edwards will now be tasked with guiding the club to the play-offs this Championship season, hopefully delivering promotion to Middlesbrough fans.
The new manager will be hopeful the club can make a few signings to help bolster the squad, but he will know they need to make some sales to bring in some funds.
One of those to depart the club is Coburn, who has joined Millwall for a fee of £5.5 million, and Middlesbrough fans have let their thoughts be known about this decision.
- READ MORE: Millwall ‘break club transfer record’ for Middlesbrough’s Josh Coburn, there is one obvious winner in deal
Middlesbrough fans react to the sale of Josh Coburn to Millwall
Coburn was on loan at Millwall last season, with the 22-year-old impressing Alex Neil, with the Lions manager opting to make the loan move permanent.
The forward scored five goals in 20 Championship matches last season, demonstrating his ability to perform at this level.
Middlesbrough fans have taken to social media to express their feelings about the sale of their former forward, with the sentiment being mixed overall.
One fan was saddened at the departure, as they said: “Shocked at that. I thought he could be big for us under Edwards.”
Another fan agreed with sentiment, as they said: “Huge disappointment to learn Josh has moved on before pre-season has even started. Thought he was going to get a chance to impress the new coaching team in pre-season.”
