Newport County AFC is delighted to announce the signing of Finn Azaz on a season-long loan deal from Aston Villa, subject to EFL and international clearance.
Azaz has put pen-to-paper on a deal that will see him remain at Rodney Parade until 2022. The former Cheltenham Town midfielder, who departed the Jonny-Rocks Stadium in May, had spent the previous campaign with the Gloucestershire-based side on loan from West Bromwich Albion.
The 20-year-old signed for the Hawthorns aged nine and progressed through the Albion youth ranks.
He moved on loan to Cheltenham Town in August 2020 and made his professional debut during his time with the Robins in an EFL Cup 1-0 win over Peterborough United. His first professional goal came in the same competition later that month against Championship side Millwall.
Azaz played a vital role in the Robins’ 2020/21 campaign by making 44 appearances, scoring three goals, and providing two assists to help them lift the Sky Bet League Two title in May earlier this year.
After signing the new deal, Azaz said: "I’m really excited to get going. I can see the direction the club wants to go in and I can’t wait to be part of it.
"I like playing with a bit of flair, especially when I’m higher up the pitch in a number 10 role but I can play in multiple positions in midfield so I’m excited to show the fans what I’ve got.
"It’s easy to say that I’d like to grab more goals and assists this season but all I want to do is help the team win as many games as possible and be as high up the table as we can."
Manager Michael Flynn added: "Finn is a player that we’ve been watching for some time and, despite only being 20, he’s already got a vast amount of experience in this division.
"He had a really good spell with Cheltenham last season and I’m sure he learned a lot being a part of a title-winning squad. “He’s a very intelligent player and I feel he can offer a lot to us in the new season, so I’m glad that we’ve got him through the door.
"I want to thank Aston Villa for their part in this and hopefully he will enjoy a successful season with us."
For player sponsorship opportunities for the 2021-22 campaign, please contact matthew.owen@newport-county.co.uk.