Southampton sign Middlesbrough midfielder Azaz

Southampton have signed Middlesbrough attacking midfielder Finn Azaz on a four-year-deal.

The 24-year-old has joined for an initial fee of £12m that could rise to £14m with add-ons, reports BBC Radio Solent.

In 93 appearances, Azaz has registered 46 goal contributions in the second tier for Boro and Plymouth Argyle.

Azaz joined Middlesbrough from Aston Villa in January 2024 and played 68 games for the club, scoring 17 goals and contributing 17 assists.

"It feels amazing, obviously it's been talked about for a little while," Azaz told the Southampton website, external.

"I'm really happy to be here and I'm really, really excited to prove I can play for a Premier League club.

"I know we're in the Championship now, but we're trying to operate at Premier League level to ultimately get promoted, win the league and get back to the Premier League."

Southampton's group technical director Johannes Spors said: "Finn is a player with tremendous ability who will bring extra creativity to boost our attacking options.

"He is a proven performer in the Championship, and we look forward to seeing him continue his impressive development here at Southampton."