Leeds United and Bournemouth are the latest sides to show interest in Middlesbrough man Finn Azaz, according to the Irish Independent.
Leeds United head up to the Premier League with a good idea of where they need to strengthen. LUFC can not afford to rest on their laurels on the rise from the Championship.
The Whites have ambitions of enjoying a long stay back in the top flight, but the same could be said for the last six sides to be promoted from the second tier. And, as has been well documented, all of those six teams have been relegated straight back.
LUFC - leeds united boss daniel farke
Image courtesy of: ED SYKES/REUTERS.
Daniel Farke needs backing to buck that trend, and another potential target has emerged on the radar it seems.
The Irish Independent reports that Leeds United are one of the latest sides to show interest in Middlesbrough attacking midfielder Finn Azaz.
AFC Bournemouth are said keen alongside LUFC, while FA Cup winners Crystal Palace also expressed an interest in the former Aston Villa prospect earlier in 2025.
Azaz joined Boro in the winter of 2024 off the back of a starring loan at Plymouth Argyle and he is currently under contract with the club until the summer of 2028.
Leeds United need a new no. 10
Of the positions Leeds United need to strengthen this summer, the attacking midfield role is up there with goalkeeper in terms of importance.
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Brenden Aaronson was a hard-working presence in behind usual striker Joel Piroe and chipped in with some valuable goals. However, in terms of chance creation, the American midfielder was found lacking.
middlesbrough loan star Finn azaz, formerly of plymouth argyle
Image courtesy of: ANDREW BOYERS/REUTERS.
And, on the rise to the Premier League, LUFC will know that is something they must improve on. Someone to offer a more creative threat in the middle is a must and it could be an area they are willing to pay handsomely to address.
Is Azaz the man for the job?
After registering 12 goals and 11 assists in 45 Championship games over the 2024/25 season, rumoured Leeds United target Azaz now has 23 goals and 21 assists in 91 outings in the competition across spells with Middlesbrough and Plymouth Argyle.
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He flourished in behind the striker earlier in the campaign and while returns dried up later in the year, that can perhaps be attributed somewhat to Boro’s struggles overall.
Azaz can play out on the left but he’s at his creative best centrally. And, when at the peak of his powers, he’s a real force.
At the top of his game, the 24-year-old could easily become a Premier League ace for Leeds United. However, it would be a question of getting that out of him regularly enough to justify a sizeable outlay when there could be better value options available overseas.