The 22-year-old made a big impression coming through our youth ranks, as he captained the side that won the FA Youth Cup in 2021.
_**READ MORE: [Meeting scheduled as Villa continue pursuit of exciting target to bolster attack](https://talk-villa.com/aston-villa-transfer-news-jesus-rodriguez-key-meeting-scheduled/)**_
He has since gone on to enjoy some productive loan spells to further his development and improve his all-round game, and although there was hope that he would eventually make a breakthrough under Unai Emery, the expectation has remained that he would ultimately be sold.
According to [The Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/06/21/atletico-madrid-race-aston-villa-emi-martinez/), Middlesbrough are keen on Kesler Hayden, and a potential sale could see Villa pocket £3m in pure profit when it comes to our PSR balance sheet.
It’s unclear at this stage as to whether that would be the final figure, but that arguably seems quite low for a player of his talent and potential, as he has every chance of going on to secure a future move worth much more than that if he shines at Middlesbrough, thus a sell-on clause would surely make a lot of sense in negotiations too.
Nevertheless, with Villa looking to balance our books as much as possible before June 30 to ensure we remain compliant with PSR, it seems as though Kesler Hayden could become the latest top youth prospect to be sold for financial gain, which is disappointing, but necessary it seems.
Furthermore, with Matty Cash and Andres Garcia ahead of him in the pecking order as things stand coupled with a decision being needed on Kosta Nedeljkovic’s future, the right-back position is one that Villa have the luxury of having multiple options available already, and so perhaps a permanent exit this summer for Kesler Hayden makes sense for all concerned.
Time will tell if this exit materialises, and when, as the timeframe could be important too, but it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that there is interest in the Villa defender, and a move elsewhere looks the most likely outcome this summer.
_**Want more Villa analysis? The Talk Villa Newsletter is set for a relaunch later this summer. Subscribe below for ad-free exclusive articles, content, podcasts and much more. More details to follow…Up The Villa!**_