Middlesbrough FC 'stance' on Everton and Leeds United-linked Hayden Hackney outlined as shock stay mooted
Middlesbrough’s reported stance on Hayden Hackney outlined amid Premier League links
Middlesbrough are reportedly prepared to retain in-demand Hayden Hackney if their transfer demands are not met.
The 23-year-old, widely considered to be among the Championship’s top talents, is set to enter the final year of his contract at the Riverside.
He has been the subject of transfer talk for the bulk of the last two years and speculation has only been intensified by Middlesbrough’s latest failure to seal promotion.
Leeds United, Everton, Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and Manchester United have all been linked with Hackney, who returned from injury to feature in Middlesbrough’s play-off final loss to Hull City.
Middlesbrough’s bold Hayden Hackney stance
However, according to the Northern Echo, Middlesbrough are prepare to dig their heels in if clubs try sign Hackney on the cheap.
It has been claimed they are yet to receive a formal offer for their most coveted asset, who has represented both England and Scotland at youth level.
Middlesbrough are said to have held discussions with Ipswich Town over a £20m deal last summer, having previously knocked back a £17.3m bid from another club. The report has indicated these figures will act as a starting point for future negotiations.
A £10m figure has been quoted in reports, but considering a replacement for Hackney could cost more than half of that, such an agreement would make little sense for Boro.
Praise for Middlesbrough star
In a recent appearance on the Sky Sports Essential EFL Podcast, commentator Andy Hinchcliffe spoke of Hackney’s Premier League potential.
He said: "The first time I saw Hackney play I noticed he was a ball-carrier who keeps his head up. That's a Premier League trait. He understands what's going on around him.
"I've even heard Manchester United mentioned. That might sound ambitious but they are looking at younger talented players and Hackney fits the bill. Training with elite midfielders can elevate a player massively.
"If the offers are from mid-table Premier League clubs he may think long and hard because he clearly cares about Middlesbrough. But it feels like only a matter of time before he moves to the Premier League."
It remains to be seen where Hackney kicks off the 2026/27 campaign, but it appears Middlesbrough are unwilling to be lowballed by clubs seeking to take advantage of the midfielder’s contract situation.