How Middlesbrough have reacted to Finn Azaz bid - Southampton want to sign him | OneFootball

Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards has confirmed the club have rejected an offer from Southampton for Finn Azaz.

Middlesbrough have turned down Southampton’s offer for Finn Azaz, and the attacking midfielder is expected to be involved at Norwich City this weekend.

The 24-year-old has been a key player for Boro since he joined the club from Aston Villa in January 2024, which includes an outstanding individual campaign last time out, where Azaz scored 12 goals and registered 11 assists in the Championship.

Such form has put the Ireland international on the radar of other clubs, and it has been claimed that Southampton had made an offer worth up to £12m for the playmaker as they look to strengthen their squad.

Middlesbrough’s stance on Finn Azaz transfer amid Southampton transfer bid

However, it appears Boro are determined to keep hold of Azaz, as BBC Sport Tees has revealed that Rob Edwards has confirmed that the offer has been rejected.

As well as that, the boss expects to have Azaz available for selection on Saturday as Boro make the trip to Norfolk to take on Norwich.

Boro will be under no pressure to cash in on Azaz, as the former Plymouth loanee has a contract until the summer of 2028 at the Riverside Stadium.

Finn Azaz is key to Middlesbrough’s promotion hopes

We know that money talks in football, and every player has a price, so Boro can’t come out and say that Azaz will not be sold no matter what.

But, the financial rewards of reaching the Premier League are huge, and losing Azaz would seriously impact Boro’s chances of reaching the top-flight.

As he proved last season, Azaz is a standout performer at this level, and he will guarantee goals and assists if he plays week in, week out. So, whilst Southampton offered decent money, the reality is that he will be difficult to replace, and Boro won’t want to strengthen a promotion rival.

Edwards has made Boro’s stance clear, so it’s now down to Southampton to decide what they want to do next.

With Mateus Fernandes and Tyler Dibling facing uncertain futures, they may be in a position to show their financial muscle at this level, and an improved offer for Azaz will give them the creativity they may lose.

So, this could still rumble on until the deadline, but, right now, he is very much a Middlesbrough player, and Edwards will be hoping for a big performance from his key man as they look to maintain their 100% record in the Championship at Carrow Road.