Despite relegation last season, there was a lot of optimism around Southampton this summer.
Exciting young manager Will Still came in, and a lot of key players have been retained.
However, it has been a slow start on the pitch.
In their season opener, they came from behind to beat newly promoted Wrexham late on.
They then drew 1-1 away to fellow promotion hopefuls Ipswich Town the following week.
Which isn’t a bad start – but they then lost 2-1 at home to 10 man Stoke City, making it four points from three games.
Despite keeping some key players, some have been a little surprised at the lack of transfer activity.
However, it appears as if there will be at least one new player through the door.
As per Fabrizio Romano, The Saints have agreed a deal to sign Finn Azaz from Middlesbrough.
He reports that the fee will be £12m fixed, with another £3m in add ons. A medical will take place in the next 24 hours.
Although Azaz can be an inconsistent player, there is no doubt that the quality is there.
In both of his two Championship seasons so far, he has reached double figures in both goals and assists.
This will be a big help for a Southampton side struggling to score many goals from open play.
Out of their four league goals this season, one was a free-kick from a left-back, and two were from central defenders during set piece situations.
It is clear that this is not sustainable, and they will need more goals from open play if they are to bounce back up.
They did win 3-0 at Norwich City in the Carabao Cup, but it is hard to know how much that will translate to the league.
Having the output of Azaz will certainly help that for Will Still’s side.
🚨🔴⚪️ Southampton have agreed deal to sign Finn Azaz as new striker for £12m fixed fee and £3m add-ons.
Medical taking place in the next 24h. pic.twitter.com/ChMuJ8dpMq
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 27, 2025
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