Former Portsmouth and Wigan misfit makes free transfer move to Greek second-tier club amid unfulfilled Arsenal potential
Former Pompey misfit Miguel Azeez is on the move once again.
The midfielder, who spent a forgettable five-month loan stay at Fratton Park from Arsenal in 2021, has moved to Greek second-tier side PAS Giannina on a free transfer.
The midfielder makes the switch following a one-season, 14-game spell at Spanish third-tier side Atletico Balearas.
PAS, who were relegated from Super League Greece 1 last season, are the 21-year-old’s fourth club in the aftermath of his underwhelming 10-mach spell at Pompey being cut short in January 2022.
Since then the former Gunner - who represented England at five different age-group levels - has spent unproductive stints at UD Ibiza (11 appearances), Wigan (2) and Balearas. His only goal in that time came for Atletico in their 1-1 draw with Alcoyano in March.
It’s believed Azeez has signed a one-year deal with the Ioannina-based side, with his contract due to expire in 2025.
Simon Bassey was part of Danny Cowley’s coaching staff when a deal was agreed with Arsenal to loan the emerging talent for the season.
The move was considered something of a coup at the time, but Azeez failed to make the impression many expected of him at PO4.
Speaking to The News in February, Bassey shared his thoughts on why an early return to Arsenal was sanctioned.
He said: ‘It never worked out for Miguel, every kid is different. There are ones that listen and take it on board and others that don’t and it doesn't work for them, they haven’t yet got the skillset to take it on yet.
‘People mature at different ages and he’s still young and still trying to work it out. Sometimes it takes these boys a little longer than it does others. It’s never in a straight line, there’s always bad spots in your career or it doesn’t go for you.
‘You have to remember, League One and League Two are different sports to what they play in the Premier League. For him to come down and adapt wasn’t easy, he found it hard physically.
‘Miguel should have been above the level because he was a superb athlete, but didn’t seem to bring that athleticism to his game.
‘The lad was super confident in what he was and had a lot of people around him telling him how good he’s going to be. Sometimes, though, you have to sit in the dark on your own and really do some soul searching.
‘These people around you aren’t on the pitch, you need to have full confidence in yourself, full clarity in what your game is about, and how you are going to be successful.
‘I wish Miguel all the best and hopefully he can find his straight line and kick on with his career because you don’t play for Arsenal if you don't have the talent.’
Azeez could make his PAS debut on Sunday, when Reme Poms’ side face Spartakos Graikochoriou in the Greek Cup.