Southampton have opened talks to sign Ivan Azon from Como, with discussions now under way over a fee in the region of €9/10m, or £7.5m-8.5m. It is an interesting move for a striker who already knows English football and has shown he can contribute at this level.
Azon spent last season on loan at Ipswich Town, where he scored five goals across 20 starts and 20 substitute appearances. He helped Ipswich secure promotion back to the Premier League, although the club did not have an option or obligation to buy him once the loan ended.
Azon offers a familiar profile
For Southampton, the attraction is obvious. Azon is not a completely unknown quantity in England, and that matters when clubs are trying to make quick decisions in the market.
His loan spell at Ipswich showed he can be useful in a promotion-chasing side, whether starting matches or coming off the bench. Five goals is not a spectacular return, but it is a decent one in a season where he was used regularly and had to adapt quickly.
Why Southampton are looking now
Southampton's own season ended in disappointment after they missed out on promotion to the Premier League and were knocked out of the play-offs after beating Middlesbrough over two legs. That makes the need for recruitment clear, especially if they want to be stronger in the next campaign.
There is also a wider backdrop to this move. Southampton were found guilty of spying on opponents, including Ipswich, which adds another layer to any deal involving a player who was already part of that Championship rivalry.
The key point is that negotiations are active, and the fee being discussed gives a sense of how seriously Southampton are treating the move. If they do push it through, Azon would arrive with recent Championship experience, a promotion on his CV, and a clear understanding of the demands that come with the English game.
