David Prutton warns Middlesbrough FC over potential transfer interest in “superb” £8,500k-a-week star

Middlesbrough’s Finn Azaz has firmly established himself as one of the most dangerous and productive attacking midfielders in the Championship.

The 24-year-old was signed by Boro from Aston Villa for a reported fee of £2.5m in the 2024 winter transfer window.

Since then, he has quickly become one of Michael Carrick’s most deadly attacking weapons, with the Republic of Ireland international always capable of hurting the opposition with his toolbox of attacking tricks.

Ahead of the final two games of the season, Azaz has surpassed double-figure goals and assists in the Championship this term, and at 24, there’s every chance he’s not quite reached his full potential yet either.

“He’s been great” – David Prutton issues Middlesbrough, Finn Azaz transfer claim

Speaking exclusively with Football League World, we asked Sky Sports pundit and former player, David Prutton: ‘Do you think there is a fear that Finn Azaz could attract interest this summer if Boro don’t get the play-offs?’

Prutton said: “Finn Azaz – superb footballer.

“He’s been great for Boro. He showed what he could do moving away from Plymouth.

“Goalscoring midfielder with an eye for the spectacular, and he’s certainly racking up the numbers that top-end Championship sides would absolutely covet.

“It’s all about the finances: would it work? Would it be able to fit within a budget? These are all things that are way beyond my comprehension because my brain is small.

“But, a very, very capable goalscoring attacking player in the Championship.”

Finn Azaz could be next Middlesbrough star to be sold for big profits

Middlesbrough have gotten into quite the habit of selling on players for big profits in recent times.

Emmanuel Latte Lath was sold for a club-record fee worth up to £22.5m in the recent winter transfer window, whilst Isaiah Jones, Morgan Rogers and Chuba Akpom have all been sold on for big profits in recent times too.

Azaz’ form for Boro this season will surely have captured the attention of Premier League clubs, especially those who pride themselves on doing smart, shrewd business in the transfer market.

The likes of Brighton and Brentford have transfer models that Middlesbrough have been trying to emulate in recent times, with the identification, recruitment, development and selling on of young talent.

It’s largely been working for Boro too, with Azaz being yet another example of that, and now that he’s proven himself to be among the very best attacking midfielders in the division, Middlesbrough may well need to offer him assurances that they won’t be playing at that level for much longer.

Otherwise, he may outgrow Championship football before Middlesbrough are ready to take him to the Premier League. If that is to be the case though, then the Teessiders would surely be set to receive another significant profit on the Irish international.

Azaz is said to be earning £8,500-a-week at the Riverside Stadium (per Capology), and is contracted with the club until the summer of 2028.

Azaz ‘buzzing’ to score first international goal

Middlesbrough midfielder Finn Azaz scored his first international goal as the Republic of Ireland beat Bulgaria 2-1 in the first leg of their Uefa Nations League play-off.

The 24-year-old converted from close range after 21 minutes in Plovdiv as the Republic came from behind to take a slender lead into Sunday’s second leg.

“[Troy Parrott] put it on a plate for me, so I’ll say thank you to Troy for that. It was a great ball from Robbie [Brady] too and I just had to be in there,” Azaz told RTE.

“It was probably the easiest goal I have ever scored; I don’t score many headers so I’m glad to score one tonight.”

Avoiding defeat in the return fixture in Dublin at the weekend will see the Republic of Ireland retain their status in League B.