Middlesbrough could land potential Finn Azaz replacement with Oxford United transfer pursuit | OneFootball

Middlesbrough are reportedly eyeing Oxford United winger Tyler Goodrham as a potential summer recruit

Middlesbrough are eyeing Oxford United winger Tyler Goodrham as a potential summer recruit, which could signal preparation for life after Finn Azaz at the Riverside Stadium.

As exclusively revealed by Football League World on Monday afternoon, Middlesbrough are monitoring Goodrham alongside Championship rivals Coventry City and Southampton,

Azaz, meanwhile, could be destined for the Premier League following a stunning individual campaign on Teesside, and Michael Carrick's recruitment team appear to be planning ahead should their Irish international depart in the coming months.

Middlesbrough, Southampton and Coventry in Tyler Goodrham transfer race

Goodrham has emerged as one of Oxford United's brightest talents during their Championship campaign, establishing himself as a regular starter despite the step up from League One last season.

The versatile attacker has contributed 3 goals and 6 assists in 41 Championship appearances during the 2024/25 season, impressing with his direct running and creativity from wide positions.

Middlesbrough's interest comes as no surprise given their reputation for identifying and developing young talent, with the club's recruitment strategy focused on securing promising players with potential resale value, like Finn Azaz.

U's academy graduate Goodrham is on a relatively modest estimated £2,500-per-week deal. This makes him an attractive proposition for clubs looking to strengthen their attacking options without necessarily breaking the bank.

Crystal Palace interest could prompt Finn Azaz summer exit

Middlesbrough's pursuit of Goodrham appears strategically timed, with current attacking midfielder Finn Azaz emerging as a target for Crystal Palace following impressive performances for both club and country.

The 24-year-old, who joined Boro from Aston Villa in January 2024 for a fee of around £2.5 million, has caught the attention of Palace scouts who have been monitoring his development closely. Reports suggest two other unnamed Premier League clubs are also tracking the Irish international.

Azaz further enhanced his reputation during the March international break when he scored his first senior goal for Ireland against Bulgaria, prompting increased speculation about his future.

Tyler Goodrham signing would help reinspire Middlesbrough's attacking philosophy

If Goodrham were to make the move to the Riverside Stadium, he would represent a continuation of Middlesbrough's focus on recruiting technically gifted, forward-thinking players who fit Carrick's possession-based system.

While primarily operating as a right winger, Goodrham's versatility allows him to play across the attacking midfield positions, similar to the role Azaz has occupied since arriving at Middlesbrough.

Goodrham's development trajectory suggests he could perform for a top Championship side, having already proven himself at both League One and Championship level despite his tender age. His experience includes 79 appearances in League One where he netted 11 goals, demonstrating his ability to not just be considered a creative player.

Middlesbrough's track record of developing players like Hayden Hackney and Rav van den Berg, both could now attract Premier League attention themselves, makes them an attractive destination for emerging talents looking to progress their careers.

With Azaz potentially departing for Premier League football this summer, securing Goodrham's signature could prove to be a good piece of business by Middlesbrough as they look to bounce back after missing out on the playoffs by four points.

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