Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher confirms the club is keen on returning Aston Villa loanee Finn Azaz for next season, according to PlymouthLive.
The 22-year-old was one of six loanees who helped Plymouth win the League One title this season, and Schumacher believes the midfielder has what it takes to play in the Championship.
Who Is Finn Azaz
Azaz is currently contracted to Premier League club Aston Villa, with the attacking midfielder spending the last two seasons on loan. Playing the last year with League One champions Plymouth, Azaz featured in 34 league games, with his 16-goal contributions helping the Pilgrims secure promotion to the Championship.
The Irishman’s season was a tale of two halves, with a major ankle injury keeping him sidelined for two and a half months. Nevertheless, Azaz returned in mid-January and cautiously finished the season.
Loan Or Permanent Deal?
As things stand, Azaz’s contract with Aston Villa is set to expire this summer. Depending on if he can see a path to the first team with Villa, it is very possible the youngster leaves on a free.
Plymouth should therefore get a chance at discussing a permanent move with the player, as the boss hinted to them conversations happening.
Can He Make The Step Help?
With his first loan being in League Two with Newport County, Azaz had a tremendous season which saw him win EFL Young Player of the Season and was included in the League Two Team of the Season.
Following those honours, the former West Brom man had no trouble making the step to League One, with a broken ankle midway through the year stopping him from reaching the same accomplishments. With the curve of improvement Azaz has then made, a step up to the Championship looks to be fitting for him.
What’s Been Said:
Speaking to PlymouthLive, Schumacher explained how the club will deal with loan players set to return to their parent clubs.
“I think all of them have contributed (this season) and played a huge part. We have loved working with them all. I think we have done our job to their clubs, we have helped them develop. They have got experience.
“They have all been brilliant and I can’t thank them enough. Yeah, I would love to work with them again. Whether it’s possible, we will see.
“Every time you see him (Azaz) he has walked around here with a smile on his face. He has loved it and his talent is undeniable.
Could he play at the next level (the Championship) as well? Yeah, I think he could so we will be having those conversations whenever we can with the people at Aston Villa.”
“Anything is possible. You can’t rule anything out. We will have those conversations when we sit down and narrow the list of what we need.”
Writer’s View
With Finn Azaz still contracted to Aston Villa, Plymouth will have to wait for the two parties to discuss things before they make any move for the player. If the attacking midfielder is interested in returning however, I think it would be a great move.
While his finish to the season wasn’t as strong as the beginning, suffering a broken ankle mid-season is hard to overcome. Spending the summer to strengthen should allow the player to get back to his best on the pitch.
