Leeds United given the green light from Championship midfielder, it’s up to the 49ers now

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After completing the signing of Jaka Bijol and sorting out a key priority by signing a central defender, Leeds United still have plenty of work to do in the summer window.

Leeds are not close to any new arrivals but Adam Underwood and his transfer team are working hard to deliver a squad capable of Premier League survival under Daniel Farke. A new no.10 will be a top target.

Brenden Aaronson impressed in the first half of the season, but struggled to replicate his form after the turn of the year. The American started 44 of 46 Championship games and tiredness got the better of him.

Leeds need a no.10, a better version of Aaronson and one option is currently in the Championship. Now, Finn Azaz has delivered a verdict on his future at Middlesbrough after failing to win a play-off position.

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Finn Azaz discusses future at Middlesbrough after Leeds links

When it comes to attacking midfielders in the Championship, Ireland international Azaz is right up there. Joining Boro in January 2024, Azaz has now had a hand in a whopping 32 goals in 66 appearances.

He’s never played in the Premier League but in terms of a Championship player doing everything he can to prove he would make the step up, Azaz ticks the box. Leeds are interested in a £20m deal for Azaz.

It would see him compete and surely overtake Aaronson. Speaking to The Irish Sun, Azaz says he remains happy at The Riverside but is desperate to play at the highest level and is open to the Premier League.

“I’ve got a contract with Boro of course, my focus is on pre-season at the moment. “I’m really happy at my club. I’ve had a great year. I’ve got a lot of respect for everyone at the club and it’s been amazing for me.

“I had a great season personally so obviously I want to keep developing and my ambition is to play at the highest level. Whether that be the Premier League or going abroad, I want to play at the highest level.

“I’m fully aware that there’s a lot of Premier League players in the Irish team and I’m looking at the World Cup qualifiers and the World Cup next summer,” Azaz said, leaving the door ajar for a possible Leeds bid.

Finn Azaz’s 2024-25 form compared to Brenden Aaronson

There is no doubt that when it comes to personal form, Azaz had a much better season than Aaronson. Not just at club level, but Azaz broke into the Ireland side regularly while Aaronson was axed in March.

The stats are clear. Azaz not only outperformed his own XG and XA by considerable distances, he scored three more goals than Aaronson and laid on nine more assists, while Aaronson underperformed.

Indeed, even if Aaronson met his own xG and xA, which would have been 11 goals and six assists, the American would still have been far behind Azaz’s 23 goals and assists. He would be a big improvement.