Bristol City boss Liam Manning is disappointed to miss out on Finn Azaz after Premier League challengers Aston Villa accepted a £2.5 million bid from Middlesbrough this week.
Finn Azaz leaving Aston Villa for Middlesbrough this week – but not in time to face Unai Emery’s men in the FA Cup third round this weekend.
Villa face off against the Championship outfit in the North East on Saturday night.
Middlesbrough win race for Aston Villa’s Finn Azaz
HITC Football reported earlier this week that Boro were set to win the race for the former Plymouth Argyle loanee, with Bristol City one of those who missed out on one of the most naturally talented, technically-gifted footballers outside of the top-flight.
“I do think we lack a little bit of what I’d call ‘an expert’ to play between the lines, in pockets,” ex-West Ham youth coach Manning tells Bristol Post, The Robins still looking out for a player capable of replacing Alex Scott following his £25 million move to AFC Bournemouth.
“Finn was one we liked, that we were tracking. He did well at Plymouth and obviously made his decision to go to Middlesbrough.
“I think that’s one where we have numerous options, and we’re working hard on alternatives for that position. Going into the window we knew we had several targets to try and get.”
Top prospect
23-year-old Azaz joined Aston Villa in 2021, one of a number of talented youngsters to make the short trip from West Brom to Villa Park. The former Republic of Ireland under 21 international would never make a single first-team appearance for the Midland giants but, at £2.5 million, he looks like superb value for a Boro outfit stuck in mid-table.
Azaz arrives after scoring seven goals – more than any other player in Michael Carrick’s squad – and providing five assists for Plymouth in the first half of the campaign. His sumptuous volley against Watford last time out, meanwhile, will take some beating in the Goal of the Season stakes.
“He played well against us when we played (Plymouth) down there,” Carrick tells the Northern Echo of Azaz.
“He’s had a terrific season and is at a really good age. He’s had good experience for his age and played through the leagues in different scenarios.
“He moved away from home at a young age and grew up quite quickly. There’s a lot that side as well as the football side and where he is in his career. He’s at a really good stage to take the next step. Fingers crossed it gets sorted out quite quickly.”
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