Freddie Potts looks focused in West Ham home shirt with Graham Potter in circular inset
Credit: Imago
Joe Elvin
Thu 28 August 2025 7:10, UK
Graham Potter is hoping to make some late moves in this summer’s transfer window to get West Ham’s season up and running.
West Ham have suffered a horrendous start to the season, which has indicated that they’re short of quality in key areas of the pitch.
Graham Potter will be given funds to spend, and it looks as if he’ll need to spend well to save his job as West Ham manager.
However, this late spending spree could come as bad news to some of the youngsters hoping to break into the first team this season.
Credit: Imago
West Ham receive transfer boost from midfield target Hayden Hackney
West Ham are one of a few Premier League clubs believed to be interested in signing Middlesbrough midfield star Hayden Hackney.
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The Teesside club have rejected bids of around £10million for Hackney in the past.
However, Football League World now reports that Hackney will ask to leave Middlesbrough if a Premier League team bids for him this summer.
While that doesn’t guarantee he’ll be sold, manager Rob Edwards might be more tempted to cash in rather than hold the midfielder against his will.
An image of Hayden Hackney warming up for Middlesbrough
Credit: Imago
Graham Potter should consider young midfielders already
Hackney is a 23-year-old centre-midfielder who has been performing consistently well in the Championship.
Does that mean he’ll thrive in the Premier League? Not necessarily.
It’s always somewhat of a risk promoting young players from the lower leagues, even if they have proven capable at that level.
That’s why it’s strange to hear that Potter is willing to splash a large sum on Hackney.
Hayden Hackney Middlesbrough statistics
Debut 9 January 2021
Appearances 117
Goals 11
West Ham already have up-and-coming centre-midfielders who thrived in the Championship. Freddie Potts enjoyed a sterling season at Portsmouth. George Earthy played a huge role in Bristol City reaching the playoffs.
These two are desperate to show what they can do in West Ham colours. There are plenty of Hammers fans pleading for the manager to give them a chance.
Potter’s interest in Hackney suggests he doesn’t have faith in his academy products.
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