Ben Chrisene has joined Blackburn Rovers on loan, while Kerr Smith has signed a new professional contract with Aston Villa and will immediately join St Johnstone on loan until the end of the season.
Words by: Michael Scully
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Ben Chrisene, 19, joined Villa from Exeter City in 2020, making his senior debut in an FA Cup third-round tie against Liverpool in January 2021 before gaining experience with Kilmarnock on loan last season. The left-back links up with Championship side Blackburn Rovers for the remainder of the 2023–24 campaign.
Rovers’ Director of Football Gregg Broughton said: “We are really happy to make Ben our second signing of the January transfer window.
“Ben made his first team debut for Exeter at the age of 15, before earning his move to Aston Villa and has featured for England throughout the age groups.
“He will bring additional pace and physicality to our backline, and he is very comfortable in possession.
“Ben has spent the first half of this season training with Aston Villa’s first team squad and we are delighted that he has chosen Blackburn Rovers to continue his development.”
Scotland youth international Kerr Smith joined Villa in January 2022 from Dundee United. Smith came through the academy at Dundee United and climbed his way to the first team before Aston Villa swooped in. Smith has been a regular for the Under-21s this season in Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy. Having penned a new deal with Aston Villa, Smith joins a St. Johnstone side who are currently 10th in the Scottish Premiership.
Finn Azaz featured regularly in Loan Watch and made his presence felt in the clubs he played for. However, Azaz was recalled from his loan spell at Plymouth Argyle this past week and has joined Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee.
Azaz joined Aston Villa from West Bromwich Albion in 2021 and went on to enjoy successful loan stints with both Newport County and Plymouth, while also earning international honours with the Republic of Ireland’s Under-21s.
The midfielder had spent the first part of the campaign on loan at Plymouth Argyle in the Championship, after helping the Pilgrims win the League One title in 2022/23.
Azaz scored 7 goals for Plymouth and has 5 assists to his name this season.
Azaz could feature in today’s FA CUP match for new club, Middlesbrough as they host his now former club, the mighty Villa.
