A number of Premier League clubs could be in the race to sign the talented young Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, and there may be competition from abroad, as well.
Middlesbrough have a reputation for having a strong academy, with previous graduates including Stewart Downing, who was capped 35 times for England, and Scotland captain James Morrison.
And now they face a fight to hang onto another one with reports of considerable interest from up to five Premier League clubs in Hackney's signature.
Losing Hackney would be a blow to Middlesbrough, who will be looking to improve on a disappointing 10th-placed finish in the Championship under Michael Carrick last season. Carrick has since been relieved of his responsibilities and replaced by the former Forest Green Rovers, Watford and Luton manager Rob Edwards.
Everton, Brentford, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Brentford all interested in Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney
Hayden Hackney, Middlesbrough
Sky Sports' live transfer news blog [08:04 AM] reports that five Premier League clubs - Everton, Brentford, Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham - are all interested in signing Hayden Hackney, with the Toffes having been looking into his price and availability this summer in their efforts to land a new central midfielder.
The update also adds that these English clubs may not be alone in their pursuit of the talented young player. They report that there is also considerable interest in the player from clubs across Europe, including the Portuguese giants Porto, 2024 Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, and Stuttgart.
Porto's interest in the player is already well-established. Middlesbrough rejected a reported £10 million offer from the club at the end of the January 2025 transfer window.
Middlesbrough may have their desire to keep Hayden Hackney tested by a bidding war
Hayden Hackney (right) after scoring for England under-21s
Reporting on Porto's previous bid for Hackney confirmed that Boro had no interest in selling the player, though that may be tested, should a bidding war open up between the clubs interested in his services.
Hackney is 23 years of age, but was one of the over-age players in the England under-21 squad that won the European Championships earlier in the summer, playing in four of their six matches in the tournament.
And although Boro have a reputation for selling their academy players when the price and timing are both right, with two years left to run on his contract they are under no obligation to sell Hackney. His age means that, although he was an England under-21 player this summer, a transfer fee will be payable, and Middlesbrough will be expecting fair compensation for him.
Hayden Hackney at Middlesbrough (Sofascore)
Season
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
2024-25
Hackney isn't just a potential international of the future; he's also an important component of their current first-team squad, having made exactly 100 League appearances for them over the previous three seasons. Whether Premier League giants or big clubs from Europe, those interested in courting him are likely to find Middlesbrough tough cookies when it comes to the negotiation process.
Hayden Hackney - Middlesbrough x Porto Related
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