Finn Azaz Premier League return talks are gathering pace after a stunning full season with Middlesbrough. The ex-Aston Villa midfielder has caught the eye of top-flight clubs following a 23-goal involvement campaign in the Championship.
Azaz, 24, was sold to Boro by Villa in January 2024, and despite never making a senior appearance for the Midlands club, he’s now attracting interest from Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Bournemouth — each club seeing the midfielder as a cost-effective, high-upside signing.
Azaz Emerges as Top-Flight Target After Boro Breakout
Azaz joined Middlesbrough after loan spells at Newport and Plymouth, but it’s at the Riverside where he has truly exploded. Under former boss Michael Carrick, Azaz played 45 of 46 league matches, scoring 12 and assisting 11 — one of the most productive midfielders in the division.
Finn Azaz Premier League return could become reality this summer, with Crystal Palace, Leeds and Bournemouth all showing strong interest.
His final-third output, off-ball intelligence, and press-resistance have made him one of the Championship’s standout performers — and a logical target for Premier League sides looking for value.
From Villa Cast-Off to Premier League-Ready
Azaz was signed by Aston Villa from West Brom’s academy in 2021 but never made a senior appearance. His development came through loans, where he steadily climbed the EFL ladder before sealing a permanent move to Boro in a deal that brought Villa a tidy profit.
“He’s matured massively — from West Brom kid to one of the best midfielders in the league,” said Football Place.
Now, with the Premier League calling, Azaz may be about to make the top-flight debut he never got at Villa Park.
Crystal Palace, Leeds and Bournemouth All in the Race
Crystal Palace are reportedly preparing for European competition and see Azaz as a valuable addition to a midfield that may face extra demand. Leeds, promoted as Championship winners, are also keen to reinforce. Meanwhile, Bournemouth have room to spend after the sale of Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid and the expected £30m sale of Milos Kerkez to Liverpool.
Azaz’s 2024/25 Middlesbrough Stats (Championship)
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 45 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 11 |
| Chances Created | 81 |
| Key Passes per Game | 1.8 |
Key Bullet Callouts:
- Finn Azaz scored 12 and assisted 11 for Boro in 2024/25
- Crystal Palace, Leeds and Bournemouth all interested
- Ex-Aston Villa man never played in Premier League
- Azaz could return to the top flight three years after Villa exit
- Bournemouth set to reinvest Kerkez and Huijsen sale funds
What’s Next for Azaz and Middlesbrough?
Middlesbrough may struggle to hold onto their star man if Premier League offers arrive. With Carrick now gone and finances tight in the Championship, Azaz could be sold to fund squad rebuilding — and his suitors are already circling.
Should Palace or Bournemouth snap up Finn Azaz — or is he Leeds’ next star?
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