Following Ange Postecoglu’s recent departure from Tottenham Hotspur, Championship specialist, Thomas Frank is set to become the new boss in North London. Middlesbrough‘s Hayden Hackney is reportedly being lauded as the first desired signing.
The Brentford boss has been all but confirmed as the Australian’s successor at Spurs. Frank achieved back-to-back third place finishes in the second divison during the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons with the Bees. Promotion to the top flight in the latter campaign began their Premier League journey, with Brentford remaining a comfortable mid-table club for the most part and even pushed for European football last season.
Looking To The Future
Attention has subsequently been turned to the recruitment aspirations at Tottenham – which will commence once the German coach has been officially appointed. Boro look increasingly likely set to lose Hackney, who is said to switch if a £10 million release clause is triggered by the Europa League champions.
Hackney has been called up to the international camp ahead of the under-21s Euro tournament with England this summer. The 22-year-old has already made six appearances with the aforementioned age group, contributing one assist in this year’s qualification campaign.
Having been an impressive asset in Middlesbrough’s academy since 2017, Hackney earned a spot in the main team for the first time in 2021, but only found a permanent place in Michael Carrick’s side after a 31-game loan spell with Scunthorpe United in League Two. Since returning to Teesside, the English midfielder has featured in 110 games for Boro, scoring ten goals and nine assists across all competitions.
Important Change At Middlesbrough
With Carrick’s now-vacant role being up for grabs, Steve Cooper has emerged as the frontrunner to continue Boro’s push for a Premier League return, but the 44-year-old would be without their star prospect. With a figure of £20 million in bonuses and add-ons being spoken of, the former Nottingham Forest manager would find himself and the North Yorkshire club in a pleasing position financially.
The move is close to materialising, which would lead to Hackney joining a stacked Spurs midfield department. Former EFL wonderkid, Archie Gray, will likely be the competition for the 22-year-old. The ex-Leeds United midfielder has featured in 46 games in his first season with Tottenham and has been utilised as a right-back and centre-back; Gray will be prioritised next year as a natural midfield asset once more.
Writer’s View
Hackney could prove to be an important squad player next season, with an obvious long-term role as a future star. Tottenham will need a fairly bloated squad due to their recent Champions League qualification via a successful European run with Postecoglu.
Hackney is an all-rounder in the midfield area, with the ability to defend calmly and often deliberately arrive late in the box for important attacking scenarios.
It is an ideal transfer for all parties. Tottenham will be able to nurture a talent for the future while also offering the 22-year-old a healthy wage increase as well as a prosperous career platform. Boro will receive anywhere in the region of £20 million, meaning a rebuild would likely be funded merely by this single departure.
