Finn Azaz faces an uncertain future at Premier League giants Aston Villa with Plymouth Argyle boss Steven Schumacher likely to offer the youngster a fresh start in the Championship.
Plymouth’s League One title-winning campaign owes as much to their outstanding recruitment department as it does Schumacher’s expert management.
Bali Mumba, Morgan Whittaker, Sam Cosgrove and the aforementioned Azaz all contributed substantially during loan spells at Home Park. And Schumacher would relish the opportunity to bring all four players back in time for 2023/24, as Argyle prepare for their first season back in the second-tier after over a decade away.
“Anything is possible. You can’t rule anything out,” Ryan Lowe’s former assistant coach tells Plymouth Live.
“I think all of (the loanees) have contributed and played a huge part. We have loved working with them all. They have all been brilliant and I can’t thank them enough.
“Yeah, I would love to work with them again. Whether it’s possible, we will see. We will have those conversations when we sit down and narrow the list of what we need.”
Finn Azaz will be offered Aston Villa exit
Schumacher, who is reportedly a target for recently-relegated Southampton, recently confirmed his intention to battle Rangers for Swansea City benchwarmer Whittaker. Azaz will be offered the opportunity to return too.
Aston Villa signed the stylish attacking midfielder from Midland rivals West Brom in 2021. But, with his 23rd birthday approaching, Azaz may have already missed the boat at an Aston Villa side looking to bring in high-profile targets such as Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio and Villarreal’s Alex Baena.
“Every time you see him (Azaz) he has walked around here with a smile on his face. He has loved it, and his talent is undeniable,” Schumacher adds.
“Could he play at the next level as well? Yeah, I think he could. So, we will be having those conversations whenever we can with the people at Aston Villa.
“Whatever the plans Aston Villa have got with Finn, I’m sure we will be in the conversation.”
Azaz scored eight goals and ten more for Plymouth in 2022/23. That is despite missing a chunk of the season with a broken ankle.
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