One of the priorities for Leeds United this summer has to be an attacking midfielder of real quality and plenty of output.
Of course, there are several areas that Leeds United must start focusing on as the summer window approaches at the end of this week, but attacking midfield may be the most vital area of the outfield players to add to.
Players all over Europe and domestically are undoubtedly being tracked and weighed up with the Premier League in mind. One way Leeds can improve their team is to sign the best players at Championship clubs.
That has been fruitful for a number of teams, with the likes of Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, and Ollie Watkins all becoming England internationals and key players to their club sides in recent years.
Leeds join Bournemouth in the race for Finn Azaz
One player Leeds are reportedly tracking is Middlesbrough’s Irish international midfielder Finn Azaz. The link comes after the attacking midfielder has been a revelation this term.
| Appearances | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
| 45 | 43 | 3,564 | 12 | 11 |
The Irish Sun believe Crystal Palace are long-term admirers in his services, but also that AFC Bournemouth and Leeds have both joined the race for Azaz’s signature this summer.
Azaz was excellent for most of the campaign but his dip in form coincided with Middlesbrough’s worst period of the season when he went nine games without a goal contribution prior to a midweek win over Stoke City.
Azaz’s poor form was a factor in Boro suffering five successive defeats as they fell down the Championship table and out of play-off contention.
However, he is frequently the man that knits everything together in attack for this new-look Boro side following Emmanuel Latte Lath’s departure in January, with a number of new pieces of the team bedded in after that point in the season.
Leeds fans are desperate for a Brenden Aaronson upgrade this summer and Azaz’s output is seriously impressive at Championship level. The report states he is valued by Michael Carrick’s men at around £20 million.
Boro may have difficulty turning down offers for a player they signed for a little under £4 million just 18 months ago from Aston Villa after missing out on promotion.
Finn Azaz’s career stats and accolades amid interest from Leeds
During a loan spell with Newport County, a then 20/21-year-old Azaz was named in the League Two Team of the Season on loan from Aston Villa.
He was also named as the League Two Young Player of the Season. Azaz would then move up the leagues, first with Plymouth Argyle twice and now with Premier League hopefuls Middlesbrough.
| Team | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Bromwich Albion | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cheltenham Town | 44 | 3 | 2 |
| Aston Villa | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Newport County | 45 | 7 | 8 |
| Plymouth Argyle | 67 | 15 | 15 |
| Middlesbrough | 66 | 16 | 16 |
| Ireland | 7 | 1 | 1 |
The 24-year-old is one of the best players in the division in his position, but whether he can make another step up to the top flight is another question.
Only two of his 23 goal contributions came against teams who finished above Middlesbrough in the table. That is perhaps the major red flag meaning Leeds could consider other attacking midfield options.
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