Ex-Plymouth Argyle loan signing Finn Azaz has his sights set on winning promotion to the Premier League after joining Southampton from Championship rivals Middlesbrough.
Azaz has signed a four-year contract with Southampton, who are reported to have paid an initial transfer fee of £12 million which could rise to £14 m with add-ons. It is the latest step in a career which saw Azaz start out playing on loan to Cheltenham Town and Newport County in League Two before Argyle took him from Aston Villa for a season-and-a-half.
The 24-year-old midfielder was part of the Pilgrims' 2022/23 League One title winning squad and impressed at Championship level the following campaign before he was recalled from his loan by Villa in January 2024 and sold to Middlesbrough for £2m.
Now the Republic of Ireland international has joined Southampton for six times that amount, after getting 17 goals and the same number of assists for Middlesbrough from 59 Championship starts and eight substitute appearances.
Azaz said about his transfer to Southampton: "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.”
Southampton group 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.”
Azaz could make his debut for his new club in their away game against Watford tomorrow. Southampton, relegated from the Premier League last term, have picked up four points from their first three Championship games this season.
You can read more of our Argyle stories from Plymouth Live by clicking HERE
Join our Plymouth Argyle WhatsApp community for transfer news and top stories sent directly to your phone
PlymouthLive has launched a Plymouth Argyle transfer news and top stories group on WhatsApp and we want you to join us. Once you sign up for our updates, we'll send all the latest straight to your phone.
To join our community, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select 'Join Community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the PlymouthLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'Exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community.