Saints agree deal to sign Azaz and target Fellows

Southampton have agreed to sign Middlesbrough playmaker Finn Azaz in a deal worth £12m.

BBC Radio Solent reports that the fee matches Boro’s valuation for the 24-year-old who will now complete a medical before signing.

Saints are also targeting a move for West Bromwich Albion winger Tom Fellows with the two clubs currently in negotiations.

Fellows, 22, has made 96 appearances for the Baggies and scored four goals with 14 assists last season.

Azaz joined Middlesbrough from Aston Villa in January 2024 and has made 68 appearances on Teesside.

During his time at the Riverside he has scored 17 goals and registered 17 assists.

He has won seven caps for the Republic of Ireland, scoring once.

Azaz was previously part of West Brom’s youth teams and spent time on loan at Cheltenham, Newport County and Plymouth Argyle.

Azaz is a ‘proven talent at Championship level’

Analysis – Saints commentator Adam Blackmore

I’d say it is a good deal for both clubs because it is the sort of deal Southampton have been crying out for.

Saints needed someone with a bit more trickery in the final third and someone that can offer something different.

Tyler Dibling has gone to Everton so here comes some of that money in a player that is a proven talent at Championship level.

He has bags of experience in this division and is a good age, he improves the starting team for sure.

Azaz might not be a striker but he provides some firepower that could push Saints back to the Premier League.