Leeds have perfect chance to sign Finn Azaz’ amid £15m Middlesbrough exit news

Leeds United could make a move for Middlesbrough star Finn Azaz this summer.

Leeds recently confirmed the arrival of Lukas Nmecha as the first signing of the summer as they look to build a squad capable of competing for survival in the Premier League.

The West Yorkshire outfit need to prioritise bringing in top-level experience, but they have also been linked with moves for some of the Championship’s most impressive talents.

Japhet Tanganga is one player to have been touted for a move to join Daniel Farke’s side, and it now seems as if they have turned their attention towards Boro’s Azaz.

Middlesbrough’s managerial situation is a big opportunity for Leeds

Middlesbrough’s season ultimately ended in disappointment as they missed out on the play-offs, but it’s hard to ignore what was another sparkling individual campaign for Azaz.

The attacking midfielder hit 12 goals and 11 assists in the league, but was unable to get his side over the line and into the top six at the end of the year. That was enough to see Michael Carrick pay by losing his job, and now that looks as though it could have opened the door for Premier League sides to swoop in.

Leeds are among several top-flight sides credited with an interest in Azaz, with Crystal Palace and Bournemouth also thought to be chasing the 24-year-old’s signature, according to Sky Sports (17 June).

It is understood that Leeds would need to stump up at least £15million to bring the Irish international to Elland Road, but with the current uncertainty surrounding the Teesiders as they prepare for the upcoming season, the Whites may be able to tempt Azaz into moving away fairly easily.

Azaz would be an excellent signing for Leeds

It’s easy to see why Azaz is continuously touted for Premier League moves. The former Aston Villa man was labelled as “one of the Championship’s most exciting players” by Sky, and his stats certainly back that up.

The midfielder starred for Plymouth Argyle in League One, and that kicked on as the Pilgrims return to the Championship in 2023/24. His start to that season saw him earn a move to Middlesbrough, where he has been for the last 18 months.

He has racked up the second-most assists of anyone in the EFL over the course of the last two seasons, and he is a player who is undoubtedly ready to step up and exert his influence in the Premier League.

Leeds are desperately lacking in firepower at the moment, but a move for Azaz could help arm Farke with the creative prowess that is needed for a team to be a threat in the top-flight.

If the Whites could get a deal done for a fee in the region of £15m, Azaz would also likely represent a much cheaper option than any alternatives to be found on the continent.

Larry Nance Jr reacts to Jaka Bijol news straight from Leeds United

Daniel Farke could have Udinese centre-back Jaka Bijol at Elland Road soon, as Leeds United are close to finalising a transfer agreement.

The 26-year-old defender has been linked with a move to the Whites for some time as they look to bolster their backline.

Bijol’s medical at Thorp Arch was completed without a hitch, and it seems like only a matter of time before the deal is officially announced.

There’s been another significant development in the Udinese defender’s move to Elland Road, and Larry Nance Jr, a minority stakeholder in the West Yorkshire outfit, has reacted to it.

Bijol signs new Leeds United contract as transfer agreement sealed

Bijol has signed his new contract as a Leeds player, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian journalist revealed on X (21 June) that the Slovenia international has put pen to paper at Elland Road, with the transfer now sealed.

Farke will undoubtedly be delighted to have another centre-back at his disposal, as the Whites evidently needed more options at the back, with Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Ethan Ampadu the only quality options.

Nance has expressed his delight at the 26-year-old’s imminent signing, sharing Romano’s post with white, blue and yellow hearts.

Farke should push for more transfers at Leeds

Farke could soon need a replacement for Junior Firpo, with the Dominican Republic international looking set to move to Real Betis.

Sam Byram’s contract at Elland Road is also coming to an end soon, and it remains to be seen whether his stint will be extended.

The Whites have ended their two-year exile from the Premier League, and they will evidently need more quality in depth to be successful next season.

Leeds fans will admit that they need to strengthen various areas of the pitch this summer, starting with a new goalkeeper after Illan Meslier’s consistent blunders in the previous campaign.

With Bijol arriving, the Whites will feel they have enough quality in defence, barring any fitness issues or exits.

After Joe Rothwell and Josuha Guilavogui’s departure, the West Yorkshire outfit arguably need more options in the middle of the park, and they will be wary of the issues they had last season after Ampadu and Ilia Gruev’s injuries.

Lukas Nmecha was the Peacocks’ first signing in the ongoing transfer window, but they should look to add more attackers for Farke.

Supporters are in for some exciting times in LS11, and they will be hoping for more signings to be announced after Bijol’s arrival.