Finn Azaz makes bold claim that will anger Middlesbrough fans after his Southampton deal

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Finn Azaz has finally completed his move from Middlesbrough to Championship rivals Southampton for an initial £12 million, with a further £2m payable in add-ons.

The Republic of Ireland international’s transfer from Middlesbrough to the Saints was hoped to have helped Hayden Hackney remain at the club; however, the midfielder has made it clear he wishes to leave should a Premier League club make an offer.

Wolves have now shown interest in Hackney, which raises alarms at the Riverside, but Azaz and Southampton won’t care about that, as they have come together and have lofty ambitions this season.

Will Still and Southampton are expected to be busy right to the close of the transfer window, as they have lost Tyler Dibling to Everton and Mateus Fernandes to West Ham and require replacements.

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Finn Azaz believes Southampton can win the Championship

The deal for Finn Azaz has been finalised, and the Republic of Ireland international has already spoken about the reason he left Middlesbrough to join Southampton.

As reported by the Southern Daily Echo, he is excited by the chance to earn promotion to the Premier League.

Azaz said: “It feels amazing. Obviously, it’s been talked about for a little while, and I’m really happy to be here.

“I’m really, really excited to prove I can play for a Premier League club. I know we’re in the Championship now, but we’re trying to operate at Premier League level to ultimately get promoted, win the league and get back to the Premier League.”

This is despite the club’s respective starts to the season, as Middlesbrough have made a perfect start to their Championship season, their best beginning to a campaign in 31 years.

While Southampton have struggled to find their fluidity under Still so far this season, they have got some results to encourage them for the upcoming season past the summer.

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Southampton’s view on Finn Azaz

It is clear that Southampton clearly value Finn Azaz highly, and they wanted to secure the deal before the deadline, as they believe he will be key to them getting promoted this season.

He then spent 18 months on loan at Plymouth, helping the Pilgrims win the League One title in 2022/23 before returning for the first half of Argyle’s maiden Championship campaign.

After 15 goals and 14 assists in 60 league games at Home Park, Middlesbrough bought him from Villa in January 2024. Azaz departs Teesside with 17 goals and 17 assists to his name in 67 league outings and as a Republic of Ireland international with seven caps.

Southampton technical director Johannes Spors added: “Finn is a player with tremendous ability who will bring extra creativity to boost our attacking options.

“He is a proven performer in the Championship, and we look forward to seeing him continue his impressive development here at Southampton.”