West Ham United need to revamp the engine room after several players failed to live up to expectations during the season.
Players like Carlos Soler, James Ward-Prowse, Edson Alvarez, Guido Rodriguez, and Lucas Paqueta struggled this season.
New Hammers manager Graham Potter is more possession-oriented than his predecessors, and the club should sign top-level operators for him to execute his ideas.
Thankfully, from all indications, it is high on the club’s agenda. The hierarchy is working to bring in the right profiles and is looking at one Championship ace who can bolster the engine room.
According to [The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jun/09/how-every-premier-league-clubs-summer-business-is-shaping-up), West Ham have scouted Middlesbrough ace Hayden Hackney.
The 22-year-old was one of the best players in the Championship this term and has caught the attention of the Irons.
Hackney could make the jump to the top flight this summer after conquering the second division with his superb vision and progressive play. West Ham would be the perfect stomping ground.
[Hailed as ‘outstanding’ upon breaking into the first team by former manager Jonathan Woodgate](https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/woodgates-praise-hayden-hackney--17329150), Hackney has grown in leaps and bounds.
Hackney was the heartbeat of the Middlesbrough midfield, orchestrating play with intelligence and purpose. This quality is missing in the West Ham centre.
No player in the Championship was involved in more open-play attacking sequences that ended in a team shot (273).
He initiated 49 of those moves, only two shy of league leader Jason Knight of Bristol City (51).
While his final output of five goals and three assists may seem modest, he operates deep in midfield and controls proceedings.
As a deep-lying midfielder, Hackney will not top the goal involvement charts. Still, he led the Championship in secondary chances created (66) – the crucial pass before the assist.
He plays a pivotal role when Middlesbrough build from the back. He opens spaces for the more productive players.
A dynamic ball carrier, Hackney also advanced the ball upfield more than any other central midfielder in the league, covering an impressive 4,347 metres with progressive carries.
Hackney is also excellent on the other side of the ball. No Middlesbrough player won possession more times per 90 (6.67).
West Ham should be all over a deal for Hackney. He possesses qualities that are missing from the roster and would bolster the squad.
(Stats from Opta)