Southampton have been after Middlesbrough’s Finn Azaz for the past week, with the Republic of Ireland international becoming a target as the Saints agreed to the sale of Tyler Dibling.
The teenager Dibling left the south coast to move to Merseyside to join Everton this week after a long drawn-out saga throughout the summer.
Southampton will be pleased that their deal for Finn Azaz was not as drawn out, and they look set to have come to terms for the creative Irishman.
It is believed that the deal will be worth up to £15 million, with an initial fee of £12 million, along with £3 million in add-ons.
Azaz had been key to the great start Middlesbrough had made, as they won their opening three Championship fixtures for the first time in 31 years.
Finn Azaz deal will mean Hayden Hackney remains at Middlesbrough
Hayden Hackney had been of interest to several clubs this summer, including Manchester United, with it expected that the teenager would leave the Riverside before the transfer deadline.
As per information from our Chief Football Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, EFL Analysis understands Middlesbrough will not sell Azaz and Hackney; they will only sell one.
He said: “Personally I think Azaz is more likely. I do think there’d be riots on Teesside if they sold both, so really I think it’s more likely that, in an ideal world, they keep one.
Finn Azaz playing for Middlesbrough
Photo by Ed Sykes/Getty Images
“That’s good news for Boro fans. No one expected Hackney to stay, and he’s had a brilliant start to the season. He’s looked as good as anyone in the league.
“Obviously if a Championship club is offered £40m for the pair, do they reject that? Probably not. But I’m told they’re not looking to sell both at this point.
“Azaz is more advanced; they’re in talks for that. They’re not in talks for Hackney, so it’s the easier deal for Azaz to go.”
Obviously, anything can happen in the transfer market, and the sale of Hackney is not impossible. But, if and when Azaz does move on, it makes Hackney’s departure far more unlikely.
Finn Azaz compared to Hayden Hackney
Both players have had significant impacts on Middlesbrough since emerging as key figures for the club, with different qualities.
It is clear they were both valued highly, and it would have been difficult to let either go; however, with the potential that surrounds the younger Hayden Hackney, there may have been a hope his value could rise should he leave next season.
Hayden Hackney Finn Azaz
Games 44 46
Goals 5 12
Assists 3 11
Shots on Target 30% 32.3%
Pass Success 83.7% 68.3%
Shot Creating Actions per 90 3.92 4.57
Touches per 90 86.2 51.4
Stats for 2024/25 campaign from FBREF
Finn Azaz is the more creative of the two players and will be a miss for Middlesbrough; however, there is a hope Rob Edwards will be able to develop Hayden Hackney to reach the levels the Irish international did last season.