Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly targeting Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney in the upcoming January transfer window.
The 22-year-old, who has risen through the ranks at Middlesbrough, is attracting interest from several Premier League clubs due to his impressive performances in the EFL Championship. He has been a regular for Middlesbrough since breaking into the first team during the 2022/23 season, after making his debut for the club in 2021.
The Redcar-born midfielder, who joined Middlesbrough at the age of 10, has since established himself as one of the top young talents in English football, having made 77 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals and providing six assists.
According to a report by TBR Football, Aston Villa are also particularly keen on Hackney as they look to strengthen their midfield options. Villa, who are already dealing with fixture congestion as they prepare for the second half of the 2024/25 season, see Hackney as a potential long-term addition to their squad. The West Midlands side had previously bolstered their midfield with the signing of Amadou Onana in the summer transfer window, but with injuries to key players such as Boubacar Kamara, they are looking to add further depth.
Hackney has also caught the attention of Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are believed to be considering making moves for the midfielder in January. Both clubs have been scouting Hackney in recent weeks, with representatives from all three Premier League sides attending Middlesbrough’s recent Championship match against West Bromwich Albion. Reports suggest that Hackney’s performances this season, where he has consistently been one of the standout players in the Championship, have made him a priority target for these clubs.
The growing interest in Hackney is no surprise to his current manager, Michael Carrick, who has been full of praise for the young midfielder. Speaking to TeesideLive earlier this year, Carrick said, “There is so much opportunity in the game ahead of him, and I’m really excited to see what he’s capable of doing. It’s all there for Hayden. We can all see what he’s capable of and how much he’s improved over a short period of time.”
Hackney’s development at Middlesbrough has seen him become one of the most sought-after talents in the Championship, and it seems inevitable that Premier League clubs will come calling in January. However, any potential deal for Hackney is expected to come with a significant transfer fee. Middlesbrough, who are currently in contention for promotion to the Premier League, will be reluctant to part with one of their key players, particularly in the midst of a crucial campaign. Hackney’s contract with the club runs until 2026, putting Middlesbrough in a strong position to demand a substantial fee should they decide to sell.
While Aston Villa appear to be leading the race for Hackney’s signature, both Nottingham Forest and Wolves are likely to provide stiff competition. All three clubs have made promising starts to the Premier League season and are looking to strengthen their squads as they push for higher league finishes in 2024/25.
In addition to Hackney, Aston Villa and Wolves were also reportedly keeping tabs on other talents during their recent scouting trips, including West Bromwich Albion winger Tom Fellows. The 21-year-old has registered five assists in eight appearances this season and is another player attracting interest from Premier League sides.
As the January transfer window approaches, it remains to be seen which club will succeed in securing Hackney’s services. His performances in the Championship have clearly marked him out as a player capable of making the step up to the Premier League, and it is likely that Middlesbrough will face significant pressure to retain their star midfielder.
Writer’s View
Hayden Hackney is undoubtedly one of the brightest talents in the Championship, and it’s clear why Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Wolves are all interested. His ability to control the midfield, break up play, and contribute both defensively and offensively makes him an attractive prospect for Premier League sides looking to add depth and quality.
From a pundit’s perspective, Hackney’s move to the Premier League feels almost inevitable. Whether it’s Aston Villa, who need midfield reinforcements, or Nottingham Forest and Wolves, who are also looking to strengthen, Hackney seems ready to take the next step in his career. His development under Michael Carrick has been impressive, and a top-flight club could be the perfect platform for him to continue his upward trajectory.
Editor In Chief
