Tottenham are planning to raid the Championship for highly coveted midfield talent after signing Conor Gallagher.
Conor Gallagher is now officially a Tottenham Hotspur player, and the England international’s arrival undoubtedly improves Thomas Frank’s squad, particularly amid news that Rodrigo Bentancur is facing a minimum of three months on the periphery after undergoing hamstring surgery.
Formerly of Chelsea, Conor Gallagher admitted he is over the moon to be a Tottenham player, expressing his desire to take the next step in his career and create “special moments” at White Hart Lane. He brings a lot of grit, energy, power and experience, as well as leadership skills, which Spurs have been lacking in their engine room.
Despite Gallagher possibly solving many issues in the middle of the park for Thomas Frank’s side, the Tottenham recruitment team think they are still lacking one midfield player. As per recent reports, they are looking to sign a ‘midfield connector’ in 2026, with a deep-lying creative playmaker on their list of top targets.
Tottenham want to sign another midfielder after adding Conor Gallagher to their ranks
Tottenham want to sign another midfielder after adding Conor Gallagher to their ranks
Tottenham eye move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham are exploring a move for Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney. Manchester United are also keen on the midfielder, who has admirers at Fulham and Everton, too.
Hayden Hackney has been one of the most consistent players in the Championship in the last few seasons. The England Under-21 international has been among the standout performers for Middlesbrough this term, with his impressive displays in the middle of the park a big reason for the club sitting second in the Championship table. He has bagged three goals and six assists in 26 appearances thus far.
As a result, Middlesbrough are reluctant to lose the 23-year-old midway through the campaign, with Kim Hellberg’s side fighting for promotion. Yet, the report adds that Boro have placed a £30million valuation on Hackney. Should any club pay the £30million price tag, it would be the biggest sale in the Teesside club’s history, surpassing the £18.4million Atalanta United paid for Emmanuel Latte Lath last February.
Tottenham are keen on signing Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney
Tottenham are keen on signing Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney
It is clear that Tottenham are set to face stiff competition from Manchester United for Hackney’s services. Newly-appointed interim manager Michael Carrick is a huge admirer of the midfielder’s talents, having worked with him for a couple of seasons at Boro.
From Spurs’ perspective, the Boro star fits the role of a ‘deep-lying’ playmaker perfectly. At 23, Hackney is still young and has the best years ahead of him, whilst the midfielder’s attributes on the ball could make a difference for Thomas Frank’s side. Having proven himself in the Championship, the Redcar-born talent would be keen to play against the best players in the Premier League.
However, given the growing interest in the player with Carrick-led Man United in the mix, signing Hackney would be an uphill task for the Lilywhites in January. All in all, if Tottenham manage to pull off a deal before the window slams shut, it’d represent a fantastic long-term investment.