Hayden Hackney, a promising midfielder for Middlesbrough, is generating significant interest from several Premier League clubs. Crystal Palace is reportedly leading the charge to secure the 22-year-old's signature this summer, with scouts keeping a keen eye on his development throughout the season.
According to Football Insider, the Eagles are preparing to make a move as they look to bolster their squad with emerging talent. Hackney, who has impressed throughout the 2024/2025 Championship season, has also attracted attention from other top-tier teams, including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Liverpool, as well as local rivals Newcastle United.
Middlesbrough has established a £25 million price tag on Hackney, a significant valuation for the academy graduate who made his first-team breakthrough in October 2022. His impressive stats this season include 35 appearances, five goals, and two assists, along with an average match rating of 7.3 out of 10.
Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie has praised Hackney's capabilities, stating, "I've been impressed with him, I really have. I think he's shown that he's capable, he's got bite about his game, he can score goals." Hendrie believes that Crystal Palace's approach to target younger players aligns perfectly with what Hackney could offer. He added that Hackney might just add a little more to his goal count in the future.
The former Middlesbrough player also warned against letting Hackney leave, suggesting that the club might not be able to afford losing a player of his caliber. Nonetheless, Hackney himself, a lifelong Middlesbrough fan, could face a tough decision should his club fail to earn promotion this season.
As it stands, Middlesbrough occupies the eighth spot on the Championship table, just three points shy of the playoff places. The team’s chances of promotion loom large, particularly as Hackney aspires to reach the Premier League, which aligns with his career ambitions.
Adding to the intrigue around Hackney's future, Mick Brown, a seasoned scout with experience at Manchester United and Blackburn, spoke highly of the midfielder. "If Middlesbrough don’t go up, I think he’ll be available and Palace would be the ideal destination for him," Brown shared with Football Insider. He recalled how impressed he was after watching Hackney dominate the midfield in a previous match, remarking on his ability to read the game and predict plays ahead of time.
Tottenham Hotspur is also eyeing a potential signing of Hackney, indicating that the midfielder is part of a larger strategy to enhance their midfield options this summer. The club has struggled with its current midfield setup, prompting them to explore fresh talent.
In addition to Crystal Palace and Tottenham, Aston Villa has been mentioned among clubs keen on securing Hackney’s services. The increasing competition could escalate his price even further, especially if Middlesbrough's promotion dream dims, impacting the transfer landscape for their key players.
This tension around Hackney's future reflects the precarious position Middlesbrough finds itself in. Should they not achieve promotion, it seems inevitable that the club would face fierce competition to retain its standout players, not just Hackney but others who might seek greener pastures in the Premier League. Commentators have dubbed him one of the best midfielders currently playing outside of the top flight, and the increasing scrutiny from Premier League teams confirms this reputational rise.
Therefore, the next few months will be critical not just for Middlesbrough's championship aspirations but also for Hackney, who has become one of the standout players in the league. As he enters the crucial phase of his development, both he and Middlesbrough will need to weigh their options carefully in the likely event of heightened interest.
In conclusion, whether Hayden Hackney stays with Middlesbrough or makes a move to the Premier League may well hinge on the outcome of the remainder of the Championship season. For now, clubs like Crystal Palace and Tottenham will be closely monitoring his performances as they gear up for what promises to be a competitive transfer window.
