Rob Edwards Confirms Bid Rejected For Star Midfielder

Rob Edwards Confirms Bid Rejected For Star Midfielder

Rob Edwards has confirmed that a bid has been rejected for star midfielder Finn Azaz.

The club, un-named by Edwards, is believed to be Southampton, who have launched a £12m-worth offensive to bring the Ireland international to St' Mary's this summer.

Azaz, 24, joined Boro from Aston Villa in an undisclosed deal in January 2024, and has played 66 league games for the club, scoring 16 goals in that time whilst outing himself as a fan favourite.

Edwards has confirmed that an approach has been rejected for Azaz, and that the Irish midfielder will be available for selection when Boro take on Norwich this coming Saturday.

Edwards Issues Hands-Off Warning

Ahead of his side's trip to Norwich this weekend, Rob Edwards spoke to gathered media and took questions regarding Azaz and his future, after reports broke regarding Southampton's interest in his services.

On those reports, Edwards stated:

“We’ve had a bid from a club for Finn, and we’ve turned that down, we’ve rejected that bid. We’re really happy with the contribution that Finn made at the weekend. He’s trained well again this week and he’s available for selection again at Norwich. He’s available for selection again this weekend, and that’s as far as I’m willing to go on it at the moment.”

Finn Azaz’s (impressive) numbers from last season for anyone with raised eyebrows👍 #SaintsFC

Just a reminder that Boro finished 10th…

Promising🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/SO4iwy8QHh

— Scummer Of 69 (@ScummerOf69) August 20, 2025

Edwards remained coy on the future of his star midfielder, but did not rule out a departure entirely for the 24-year-old:

“Let’s be real for a second, we’re a club in the Championship at the moment, so if a deal is proposed that’s right for all parties, then who knows. I can’t sit here and lie to people by saying categorically this is happening or this isn’t happening, We’ll have to see. But it’s certainly not the case that people have to go because of the people that are coming in. That’s absolutely not the position.”

Saints Target Azaz

Amidst interest in the services of youngster Tyler Dibling and Mateus Fernandes this summer, Southampton have identified Azaz as a target to reinforce their engine room this summer, as per The Daily Mail.

"It would have to be a really decent offer" 💰

This fan says Finn Azaz could play a massive role for Middlesbrough this season, amid reported interest from Southampton 💭#Boro | #UTB | #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/dObjaO8UMX

— BBC Sport Tees (@BBCTeesSport) August 22, 2025

The Saint's launched an initial £12m bid for the Irishman, but this has been rejected as confirmed by Edwards. We believe that Southampton are likely to make a return for Azaz later this summer - Middlesbrough will be keen to hold onto him with interest also being shown in midfield partner Hayden Hackney, and will command a higher fee from Southampton should they make a return.

Southampton may intend to use forward Ben Brereton Diaz as a makeweight in the deal, with Middlesbrough interest in the Chile international whom The Saints are willing to sell.