Seems good for the championship, although not as good as other players we have been linked to in a similar position. He'd certainly improve our side though which is the main thing
Well we're going to need players that can unlock defences, and it looks like this is Azaz's specialty. I don't think he is the pressing type, and certainly not one to put in a tackle. So one of those players who will look like they are doing nothing for much of the game but then pull out a peach of an assist. At the moment we're a bit thin in the CAM area, and 10m isn't much, so might as well. At least he's not coming from Bundesliga 2.
Honestly, he gets plenty of ticks in the boxes from me. Proven in the division, consistently high attacking output and isn’t someone 21 or under that we’re going to have to wait on to find their feet
I like this signing. A proven goal scoring / assisting midfielder with plenty of Championship experience, who will now have even better players around him than he has previously.
Only downside is that he hasn’t had much of a pre season due to injury, only returning to the squad last week, where he played the last 22 minutes against Millwall is which he assisted for the 3rd goal for Boro. But at least he is now fit, and will know a few of the players as now a regular in Ireland’s squad. Debut away to Norwich I’d guess? Could bring fee down by throwing a certain BBD into the deal as reported that Boro have registered and interest in him.
Underwhelming if this turns out to be our only attacking midfielder signing. If he's just another option and his cost doesn't affect us buying other players then I'm fine with it.
From my season ticket holding Boro mate: “Hit and miss mate. On his day he can be PL level, however he goes missing during games. He does want the move though”
At least he can be Premier Level on his day. Can’t remember many of last seasons squad having one good day?
If this happens would indicate the Spertsyan signing is off as looks like they play the same position and can’t see us signing 2 players at this price point in that position, even if Fernandes does leave
I don't think he has the attributes to do anything in the PL. I've admittedly not seen loads of Azaz, but never thought he was anything special when I have watched him. Always thought he was overhyped because he gets decent stats, but see him more as an upper midtable sort of Championship player. Fine as a squad option for this season but £12-15m for that would likely represent a decent wedge of our budget for this window and I think that could be far better spent. This level of signing doesn't scream to me that we have ambitions to win the league.
