Leeds United and Bournemouth Join the Race for Middlesbrough’s Finn Azaz
Leeds United and AFC Bournemouth have reportedly joined the list of clubs interested in Middlesbrough midfielder Finn Azaz, according to a new report from the Irish Independent.
Leeds United, freshly promoted back to the Premier League, are approaching the summer transfer window with a clear understanding of the squad reinforcements they’ll need to remain competitive. After earning promotion from the Championship, the club knows it cannot afford to relax. Their goal is to establish a long-term presence in the top flight, but recent history shows how difficult that can be—each of the last six clubs promoted to the Premier League were relegated after just one season. To avoid the same fate, manager Daniel Farke will need both strategic planning and serious support in the transfer market.
Finn Azaz, who plays as an attacking midfielder, has now emerged as a player of interest for Leeds United. AFC Bournemouth are also in the mix, according to the report, while Crystal Palace—fresh off their FA Cup triumph—have previously expressed interest in the former Aston Villa talent earlier in 2025.
Azaz joined Middlesbrough in January 2024 following an impressive loan spell at Plymouth Argyle. He made an immediate impact in the Championship and has since become a key part of Boro’s squad. He is under contract with Middlesbrough until the summer of 2028, so any potential suitor would likely need to offer a sizable fee to pry him away.
Leeds Eyeing a No. 10
One of the priority areas for Leeds this offseason is the attacking midfield position. In their Championship campaign, Brenden Aaronson filled the role behind striker Joel Piroe. While Aaronson contributed with his work rate and added a few important goals, he lacked the creative spark needed to consistently unlock defenses—something Leeds must address if they hope to thrive in the Premier League.
With Azaz on their radar, Leeds appear ready to invest in a player who can bring greater offensive creativity to the squad. The need for a playmaker capable of contributing goals and assists on a regular basis is clear, and Azaz’s profile suggests he might be the right fit.
Azaz’s Rising Stock
Finn Azaz had a strong 2024/25 Championship season, tallying 12 goals and 11 assists in 45 appearances. When you combine those numbers with his time at Plymouth Argyle, his Championship total stands at 23 goals and 21 assists in 91 matches—a solid return for a midfielder.
Most of his best performances have come when playing centrally, just behind the striker. While he has also featured on the left wing, Azaz is at his most dangerous when pulling the strings in the middle of the pitch. Although his form dipped slightly towards the end of the campaign, that decline is largely attributed to Middlesbrough’s struggles as a team rather than any significant drop in his individual ability.
If Leeds can get Azaz performing at his best consistently, he has the potential to be a standout Premier League performer. At 24 years old, he’s entering his prime years and could be a key figure in Farke’s setup. However, there’s always the question of whether he can replicate his Championship form against tougher opposition, and whether the required transfer fee would represent good value—especially considering Leeds could find more cost-effective alternatives abroad.
Still, Azaz’s creativity, versatility, and goal contributions make him a compelling target. With Leeds United, Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace all reportedly interested, Middlesbrough may find themselves in a strong position to negotiate, should they decide to cash in.
As the summer window approaches, Finn Azaz will be one to watch—especially as Premier League clubs continue their search for attacking reinforcements.
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