Dean Smith Aston Villa
Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of West Bromwich Albion academy prospect Finn Azaz for an undisclosed fee. “I’m really excited to get going. I can see the direction the clubs wants to go in, and I can’t wait to be part of it,” said the youngster. The 20-year-old had been at the Hawthorns since the age of nine where he stayed for 11 years. Despite never being given an opportunity in West Brom’s first-team, the midfielder headed out on a season-long loan spell to former League Two side Cheltenham Town in August 2020. He made his first senior appearance under Robins manager Michael Duff in the 1-0 win over Peterborough United in the EFL Cup. His first senior goal came against Championship side Millwall in the same competition, in Cheltenham’s 3-1 away defeat. During his time at Cheltenham, he made 44 appearances in all competitions and scored three times as he helped the Robins to lift their first-ever League Two trophy in May, providing two assists along the way.
Villa’s academy manager Mark Harrison said: “Finn is a clever, creative, technically astute, attack-minded player, who had a successful loan at Cheltenham last year. When we were made aware he was available on a free transfer and discussing possible moves to other clubs, we decided to pursue his signature and we are delighted that he has signed for us. With his loan to Newport he will be able to continue his development under the watchful eye of Adam Henshall and Mile Jedinak, who are overseeing our loan strategy and will provide feedback to the first-team coaching staff.”
The Villa signing will be loaned out to Welsh League Two outfit, Newport County where he will spend the 2021/22 season.
Finn Azaz continued: “I like playing with a bit of flair, especially when I’m higher up the pitch in a number 10 role but I can play in multiple positions in midfield so I’m excited to show the fans what I’ve got. It’s easy to say that I’d like to grab more goals and assists this season but all I want to do is help the team win as many games as possible and be as high up the table as we can.”
The Exiles head coach Michael Flynn said: “Finn is a player that we’ve been watching for some time and, despite only being 20, he’s already got a vast amount of experience in this division. He had a really good spell with Cheltenham last season and I’m sure he learned a lot being a part of a title-winning squad. “He’s a very intelligent player and I feel he can offer a lot to us in the new season, so I’m glad that we’ve got him through the door. I want to thank Aston Villa for their part in this and hopefully he will enjoy a successful season with us.”
