Middlesbrough are preparing for the Rob Edwards era, and EFL Analysis can reveal that he could be without one of their prized assets for his maiden campaign by the end of the summer transfer window.
In the wake of Michael Carrick’s sacking earlier in June, Rob Edwards was appointed at Middlesbrough to spearhead the club for the upcoming 2025/26 Championship campaign.
Edwards’ first words as Boro boss will have filled the fanbase with optimism, despite some concerns over his style of play and whether it’s suited to the current Boro crop.
The former Luton Town boss will want to end Boro’s eight-year Premier League absence in his debut campaign at The Riverside, but that task could be made far more difficult come the conclusion of the summer transfer window.
In an EFL Analysis exclusive, we can reveal the litany of Premier League sides targeting the brightest jewel in Boro’s crown, Hayden Hackney.
Hayden Hackney during Preston North End FC v Middlesbrough FC - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Premier League sides targeting Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney
Via the Northern Echo, Carrick admitted Hackney had been “exemplary” since he took charge, and the Boro academy product proved that by being the shining light in Boro’s 2024/25 season after becoming the Red Devils legend’s star pupil during his Teesside tenure.
Last season, the 23-year-old cemented himself as one of the Championship’s best players, and the central midfielder has taken that form into the Under-21 Euros.
Hackney triumphed with England U21s against the Netherlands earlier in the week, beating Boro teammate Rav van den Berg, by making an instant impact off the bench with an assist for Harvey Elliott’s decisive goal.
Hackney is expected to leave for around £20m this summer, and his summer performances could add a few extra digits to the price tag.
EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal, via our Chief Football correspondent Graeme Bailey, that Premier League interest in Hackney’s signature this summer is continuing to grow.
Bailey revealed: “Hayden Hackney obviously does have a lot of interest from some teams in Europe, and in England there are a host of clubs who have watched him; there isn’t a single Premier League club who hasn’t watched Hackney.
“He’s doing well and Middlesbrough will have a price on him. If someone comes in with £20-25m it’ll be very hard for Middlesbrough to turn that down. It’s pure profit.
“There is an awful lot of interest in him. Obviously he is at the U21 Euros with England now and doing well there. Do I expect Hackney to still be at Boro come September? I’d be surprised at this point if he was still there.
“Middlesbrough don’t need the money to stay afloat or anything, but if they really want to back Rob Edwards, then they do need some money. And selling homegrown players is what Middlesbrough’s academy is there for, to a certain extent.
“So yes, I do expect Hackney will go. The likes of Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, Man United, and West Ham have watched him.
“You could even see Burnley coming in for him to replace Josh Brownhill. I wouldn’t rule that out necessarily. I think there are a host of options for him that will present themselves over the coming weeks.
“Will he be there to start the season? Possibly. But by the end of the window, I think it’ll be a different situation.”
If Edwards is poised to be without Hackney for his first campaign in charge at Boro, as it appears will be the case, then the English starlet’s suitors will be acquiring one of the best midfield prospects in the Championship.
Hayden Hackney warms up before Hull City AFC v Middlesbrough FC - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Boro starlet Hayden Hackney has proven he has Premier League potential
Hackney’s standout campaign at the centre of Carrick’s Boro side has catapulted him to become one of the second tier’s best talents, which has piqued the interest of those Premier League sides.
Earlier in the window, West Ham registered interest in Hackney with Graham Potter looking to revamp the Hammers in his first full season in charge.
Statistic Hayden Hackney
Games played 43
Goals 5
Assists 3
Successful passes 2609
Chances created 66
Duels won 217
Recoveries 281
Boro midfielder Hayden Hackney’s 2024/25 Championship stats, data as per Fotmob
One former Middlesbrough reporter told Boro to keep Hackney at all costs ahead of next season, and it’s clear to see why given the calibre the 23-year-old has performed at over recent years.
However, unfortunately for the Boro faithful, it seems inevitable that the Redcar-born midfielder will depart Teesside this summer for one of the plethora of top flight sides fighting for his signature.