Following on from all the speculation linking Aston Villa with another raid on West Bromwich Albion’s Academy setup, yesterday evening we confirmed the arrival of Finn Azaz.
Aston Villa is pleased to announce the signing of Finn Azaz.
The 20-year-old joins from West Bromwich Albion and immediately heads out on loan to League Two side Newport County.
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) July 26, 2021
The 20-year-old ‘exciting midfielder’ immediately heads back out to League Two side Newport County for the coming campaign, and although the deal is for the whole season, we do retain the right to recall him in January as obviously we will be wanting to see him get good game time and minutes.
Having originally joined West Brom at the age of nine, he’s worked his way through their ranks and he made 44 appearances for Cheltenham Town in 2020/21, helping them to promotion and the League Two title.
Vital Villa’s 2021 Transfer Rumour Forum Thread
Academy manager Mark Harrison obviously knows Azaz very well indeed following his own spell at West Brom and he no doubt played a huge part in helping him to make the switch. Speaking to the Official Site after his signing, Harrison explained.
“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.”
He’ll be another lad to keep a close eye on to see how he develops, as we must rate him quite highly to bring him in at his age given all the other youth deals we’ve done.
Welcome to the club!
lovely stuff
— dan (@DanAV___) July 26, 2021
Love this
— kieranAVFC (@avfck1eran) July 26, 2021
Great move for him on loan too. Great day. #avfc
— Villa Sources (@VillaSources) July 26, 2021
Welcome !
— Ben (@bhooper26) July 26, 2021
Welcome to the better side of the city ❤️🦁
— kgd1x (@kgd1x) July 26, 2021
Welcome to Villa Finn.
— Peter Wall (@1966wall) July 26, 2021
we’re genuinely signing their whole academy
— catrin (@catrinedwards18) July 26, 2021
Welcome lad
— Adam Leen (@AdamLeen4) July 26, 2021
Welcome fella! All the best at Newport.
— EJ (@EddAVFC) July 26, 2021
West Brom have become our new feeder club.
— Villa real (@AshyOG_VillaFan) July 26, 2021
Top player….an absolute joke of a first touch. Best of luck @finnazaz
— Dave Lawrence (@DaveLawrence84) July 26, 2021
Our Youth recruitment has been incredible in recent times so I trust their judgement. If we're buying him he must have something to offer.
— Mark El Ghazi (@sparkym5) July 26, 2021
I like this one as @finnazaz has mad teckers. Do your thing bro! I don't mind losing if I'm entertained. Express yourself bro, the Villa faithful will love you for it.
— WanyeAVFC (@Wanye04594011) July 26, 2021
