Middlesbrough’s reported stance on Hayden Hackney outlined amid Premier League links
Middlesbrough are reportedly prepared to retain in-demand Hayden Hackney if their transfer demands are not met.
The 23-year-old, widely considered to be among the Championship’s top talents, is set to enter the final year of his contract at the Riverside.
He has been the subject of transfer talk for the bulk of the last two years and speculation has only been intensified by Middlesbrough’s latest failure to seal promotion.
Middlesbrough are reportedly taking a hardline stance over Hayden Hackney.placeholder image
Middlesbrough are reportedly taking a hardline stance over Hayden Hackney. | Martin Rickett/PA Wire
Middlesbrough’s bold Hayden Hackney stance
However, according to the Northern Echo, Middlesbrough are prepare to dig their heels in if clubs try sign Hackney on the cheap.
It has been claimed they are yet to receive a formal offer for their most coveted asset, who has represented both England and Scotland at youth level.
Middlesbrough are said to have held discussions with Ipswich Town over a £20m deal last summer, having previously knocked back a £17.3m bid from another club. The report has indicated these figures will act as a starting point for future negotiations.
A £10m figure has been quoted in reports, but considering a replacement for Hackney could cost more than half of that, such an agreement would make little sense for Boro.
Praise for Middlesbrough star
He said: "The first time I saw Hackney play I noticed he was a ball-carrier who keeps his head up. That's a Premier League trait. He understands what's going on around him.
Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney has been linked with a raft of Premier League clubs.placeholder image
Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney has been linked with a raft of Premier League clubs. | Richard Sellers/PA Wire
"I've even heard Manchester United mentioned. That might sound ambitious but they are looking at younger talented players and Hackney fits the bill. Training with elite midfielders can elevate a player massively.
"If the offers are from mid-table Premier League clubs he may think long and hard because he clearly cares about Middlesbrough. But it feels like only a matter of time before he moves to the Premier League."
It remains to be seen where Hackney kicks off the 2026/27 campaign, but it appears Middlesbrough are unwilling to be lowballed by clubs seeking to take advantage of the midfielder’s contract situation.