How much money Middlesbrough are set to receive from Finn Azaz, Southampton transfer | OneFootball

Middlesbrough playmaker Finn Azaz is closing in on a big-money switch to Southampton

A major update has emerged regarding Finn Azaz's future at Middlesbrough, with the prized playmaker now set to join Southampton following the agreement of a deal between the two clubs.

As reported on Wednesday afternoon by journalist Lyall Thomas via Sky Sports' live transfer news centre (16:20), Middlesbrough have agreed a deal with Southampton to sanction the sale of Azaz for an initial £12 million figure.

Azaz's future on Teesside has been the subject of intense speculation in recent times. Last week, talkSPORT's Alex Crook reported that Azaz is "keen to make the move", which came after the Daily Mail disclosed Southampton's prepared £12 million move for the talented attacking midfielder.

Just yesterday, meanwhile, Football League World exclusively revealed the Saints' intention to launch a fresh bid for the talented attacking midfielder, which appears to have been received and agreed owing to add-on criteria included within the deal that will see Azaz head down south to join Will Still's promotion-chasing outfit.

The ex-Newport County and Plymouth Argyle dynamo has continued to feature for Rob Edwards' side, who sit top of the Championship table after three matches, and he opened his account for the campaign by netting in Saturday's 2-1 victory at Norwich City.

How much money Middlesbrough are set to receive from Finn Azaz, Southampton transfer

The latest update has revealed that Middlesbrough are set to receive an initial upfront fee of £12 million.

However, the deal also includes a further £3 million in undisclosed add-on criteria, which one would imagine may relate to Southampton's pursuit of a swift return to the Premier League this season after suffering relegation last time out.

Azaz will go down as one of Middlesbrough's all-time record sales, although supporters will have imagined a higher figure for his services following a stellar season-and-a-half at the Riverside Stadium.

The gifted midfielder joined Boro from Aston Villa in a reported £2 million deal back in January 2024, and instantly established himself as a star performer on Teesside by registering four goals and five assists within his opening 20 appearances.

Azaz only kicked on from there and was one of the most productive players in the Championship last time out, achieving double figures for both goals and assists.

Middlesbrough must reinvest £12m Finn Azaz, Southampton transfer fee

Middlesbrough owner Steve Gibson will now be under significant pressure from supporters to reinvest the outlay for Azaz into finding a string replacement, which, considering the Southampton-bound star's output, could prove to be something of a tall order.

The Teessiders, who themselves have designs on competing for promotion under new boss Edwards, would do extremely well to attract a replacement of a similar immediate quality level.

Boro are short-staffed in the way of attacking midfield options and will have to enter the market to try and fill Azaz's void if they are intent on going all the way this term.