Hayden Hackney smiling
(Credit: Imago)
Henry Green
Wed 20 August 2025 14:10, UK
West Ham’s midfield was a major worry against Sunderland as they were outworked in a dismal 3-0 defeat to open their Premier League season.
Guido Rodriguez and James Ward-Prowse were poor against the Mackems as they were amongst the players with the lowest distance covered over the entire opening weekend.
Rodriguez was a passenger for much of the game, as in comparison, their opponents’ midfielders were among those with the highest distance covered.
With Edson Alvarez set for his exit from West Ham in the coming days, Graham Potter faces a crisis that must be fixed.
Step forward, Hayden Hackney.
Graham Potter sitting West Ham
Graham Potter will be disappointed with West Ham’s transfer window (Credit: Imago)
Hayden Hackney is the perfect Edson Alvarez replacement
West Ham have been exploring a move for Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes, but appear to have hit a roadblock.
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The Hammers are unwilling to match the Saints’ £50million price tag, so could move on to other targets.
West Ham previously explored a move for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney last summer, but could revive their pursuit in the coming weeks.
The midfielder has been linked with potential moves to Ipswich Town and Everton this summer, but has so far remained in the North East.
Middlesbrough will demand a fee of £20million for the 23-year-old, a far lower fee than Southampton’s asking price for Fernandes.
Hayden Hackney stats
(Credit: Data MB)
Hackney was crucial in Middlesbrough’s 3-0 win over Millwall last time out, as he grabbed a goal in their second game of the season.
The 23-year-old completed 64 passes against the Lions and achieved an 8.3 rating from Fotmob, the second highest amongst any midfielder in the second tier.
Hackney managed two successful tackles and scored from the first of his two shots in the win, as he was Player of the Match.
Hayden Hackney stats last season compared to fellow Championship midfielders (per 90):
Progressive actions: 0.98 – 1st
Progressive carries: 1 – 1st
Accelerations: 1st
Passes completed: 0.98 – 2nd
Passes into the penalty box: 0.95 – 2nd
It’s bizarre that the Hammers haven’t made a move for the midfielder, given their own extensive problems in the middle of the park.
Hackney has shown that he has what West Ham’s midfield doesn’t have – stamina, aggression, pace, and even loyalty shown by his commitment to playing for Middlesbrough despite interest from elsewhere.
Ward-Prowse getting ready to take a set piece
Ward-Prowse could leave the Hammers (Credit: Imago)
James Ward-Prowse could raise much-needed funds for West Ham
Ward-Prowse could save West Ham a lot of money should they choose to sell him.
Progressive passes 433 (Most in Europe)
Passes into final third 356 (Second most in Europe)
Hackney’s passing stats during the 2024/25 season
It is clear from his opening game performance that he isn’t committed to the club, and with £125,000 a week wages, Potter could save plenty of money selling him.
It’s time to clear some deadwood at the London Stadium, something that should have been done many years ago.
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