Finn Azaz transfer interest & what Boro can learn from Sunderland..
TO ADD salt to the Middlesbrough wounds, Sunderland won at Wembley to secure promotion to the Premier League.
So what can Boro learn from the Black Cats?
In our latest episode of You Are My Boro, we also assess Finn Azaz’s situation on the back of fresh transfer links with Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.
And we discuss Riley McGree after the midfielder’s comments in Australia this week.
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How Finn Azaz’s wages could rise if he left Middlesbrough for Bournemouth or Leeds United this summer…
Finn Azaz has emerged as a summer transfer target for Leeds United and Bournemouth after his impressive Middlesbrough performances.
According to the Irish Sun, the two Premier League sides have joined Crystal Palace in showing an interest in the midfielder.
Azaz has been with Boro since the 2024 January transfer window, arriving from Aston Villa after promising loan spells with Plymouth Argyle.
The 24-year-old immediately asserted himself as a key part of Michael Carrick’s plans, and has made 65 league appearances in that time, registering 16 goals and 16 assists.
Using estimated figures from Capology, Football League World takes a look at the kind of wages Azaz might receive should he make the switch to Bournemouth or Leeds…
The kind of wage Finn Azaz could expect using Bournemouth and Leeds United’s respective wage bills
Finn Azaz & Hayden Hackney
Leeds gained promotion to the Premier League this past season, and will be back competing in the top flight next year under manager Daniel Farke.
The German’s side currently has a weekly wage bill worth £707,500, with Patrick Bamford being their highest earner.
The forward receives £70,000 per week from the Whites, although Azaz is unlikely to reach a salary of this size if he were to switch to Elland Road.
Other midfield options in the squad include Brenden Aaronson, Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka.
The trio earn £45,000, £40,000 and £25,000 per week respectively, so the Irishman will likely be looking at a figure in and around that range, perhaps at £30-35,000-a-week.
Leeds United’s top 5 earners – 2024/25 (estimated figures from Capology)
Player
Weekly salary
Patrick Bamford
£70,000
Junior Firpo
£60,000
Pascal Struijk
£50,000
Dan James
£50,000
Brenden Aaronson
£45,000
Meanwhile, the Cherries are preparing for their fourth season back in the Premier League, with Andoni Iraola’s side finishing ninth in the table this year.
Bournemouth have a lot of momentum on their side, but could see quite a squad overhaul this summer if big interest arrives for their top talent.
This could open the door for Azaz to become a key part of the team.
Their highest earner is currently Brazilian striker Evanilson, who is worth £85,000 per week, with Justin Kluivert second on £80,000-a-week.
Midfielders like Tyler Adams, Lewis Cook and Alex Scott receive £60,000, £60,000 and £40,000 respectively from the top flight club, so there is a possibility that Bournemouth could offer more to Azaz.
Middlesbrough’s highest earners
Outside Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium
Middlesbrough’s average weekly salary is £14,442, with a total spend of £433,269, highlighting the financial difference between them and Azaz’s prospective new clubs.
The highest earner at the Riverside is currently Luke Ayling, with the defender receiving £30,000 per week.
However, Azaz is not even close to being one of the top earners in Carrick’s side, with the 24-year-old receiving £8,500 per week.
Finn Azaz – Leeds United
Related
Leeds United join AFC Bournemouth and Crystal Palace in race to sign Middlesbrough star
The Whites have Finn Azaz on their summer shortlist ahead of their Premier League return.
Given that, it’s obvious that the midfielder could be in line for a serious pay rise no matter what new club he signed for should he depart Middlesbrough this summer.
The prospect of competing in the Premier League will be enticing in itself, but the pay rise that will also likely come could make him better paid than any player in the current Boro squad.
Therefore, as long as a reasonable offer is made that the Teesside outfit find acceptable, then it’s easy to see why Azaz would want to make the switch during this upcoming summer transfer window.
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