Crystal Palace are seemingly planning to dip into the Championship for new recruits again this summer.
Despite the fact Dougie Freedman has departed Selhurst Park for Saudi Arabia – a highly respected Director of Football – the Glaswegian is believed to have left a list of players behind for Oliver Glasner to pursue.
The Scot has previously found several diamonds in the Championship – such as Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Adam Wharton – and despite his move to the Saudi Pro League, Crystal Palace are keen to snap up another top talent from England’s second tier in Finn Azaz.
Crystal Palace want Finn Azaz
The Sun now claim that Crystal Palace are set to make a move for the Republic of Ireland international this summer.
Azaz – who Aston Villa sold for £2.5m in January 2024 – has shone for Middlesbrough so far this season, impressively scoring ten goals and providing 11 assists in 37 Championship appearances from his attacking midfield role.
Crystal Palace are said to have scouted the Middlesbrough No.20 on Sunday as he helped the Republic of Ireland record a 2-1 win over Bulgaria, where he registered yet another assist.
The Sun add that Middlesbrough would be reluctant to sell Azaz – who still has three years remaining on his contract – although failure to win promotion this season could force the issue.
TBR Football understand Crystal Palace also like Hayden Hackney – another player shining under Michael Carrick for Boro.
Finn Azaz could replace Eberechi Eze
The aforementioned Eze, who Michael Olise messaged after scoring for England, could be leaving Selhurst Park this summer – making the links to Azaz all the more intriguing.
Crystal Palace’s No.10 is believed to have a £68m release clause in his contract, which becomes active this summer.
22-year-old Finn Azaz is a player to keep an eye on over the next year or so for sure.
He’s got 6 goals and 3 assists in 14 appearances for Plymouth on loan from Aston Villa this season, including this today.
A proper talent.
— HLTCO (@HLTCO) October 22, 2022
TBR Football understand Tottenham are very keen to sign Eze – with Ange Postecoglou pushing Spurs to make a move for the England international.
Should an exit materialise, Azaz could well be the man to replace the Londoner in SE25.
