Aston Villa midfielder quits to join Middlesbrough on permanent transfer as boss Carrick hails ‘exciting player’

FINN AZAZ has left Aston Villa to join Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £2million – 24 hours before the two clubs face each other.

But the 23-year-old attacking midfielder will not be able to make his debut in Saturday’s FA Cup clash against his old team.

Finn Azaz, who has shone on loan at Plymouth, has left Aston Villa to join MiddlesbroughRex

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Boro unveiled their first January signing this afternoon[/caption]

Ex-Republic of Ireland U21 international has shone on loan over the past 18 months on loan at Plymouth Argyle, helping them secure League One promotion last term.

Now he is dreaming of the Premier League with play-off chasing Boro after penning a four-and-a-half year contract at The Riverside.

Boro boss Michael Carrick said: “I’m delighted to bring Finn to the club. He’s an exciting player who already comes with good experience.

“He’s had a good season so far, and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”

However, Carrick and Boro’s supporters will have to wait a little while to see Ayaz in action.

They had hoped to register him in time for Saturday’s FA Cup third round clash at home to Villa, but a hold-up on the Prem side’s end meant that was not possible.

He also also cup-tied in the League Cup, meaning he will miss out on Boro’s semi-final first-leg against Chelsea on Tuesday as well as the away second-leg later this month.

That means that Azaz’s bow will come on Saturday 13 January when Boro travel to Millwall in the Championship.

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Despite his young years, Azaz already has a wealth of experience and has made over 150 appearances and scored 25 goals – including one against Boro for Plymouth in November.

He joined West Brom aged nine and came through their academy, making senior appearances in the League Cup, prior to heading out to Cheltenham on loan for the 2020/21 campaign.

His displays there caught the eye of Villa, who swooped to land him from their Midlands rivals.

He got more first-team experience out on loan at Newport County, scoring seven in 45 matches, before then heading to Plymouth for the start of an 18-month stint in the summer of 2022.

Now he has departed Villa Park without making a top-flight appearance for Unai Emery’s team.

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