Kaine Kesler-Hayden is at the top of a few clubs’ wish list this summer, following his return to Aston Villa after an impressive loan campaign with Preston North End. Middlesbrough have registered their interest for a permanent deal.
With the Lancashire side’s budget seemingly too restrictive to finance a deal for their temporary wing-back, Kesler-Hayden has lauded as a new option for Boro, Coventry City and Southampton. The Sky Blues have already packaged together a reported £5 million offer but will face tough competition from other teams at the summit of the Championship.
The 22-year-old made 51 appearances for Preston last campaign, picking up three of the club’s end of year accolades, including Player of the Season. Kesler-Hayden also registered five goal contributions in the Championship, with two goals and three assists for the Lilywhites. This successful spell was the Villa defender’s fifth loan spell away from Villa Park and his third in the second tier. Stints at Swindon Town, Milton Keynes Dons, Huddersfield Town and Plymouth Argyle have helped to nurture Kesler-Hayden’s growth so far.
Deepdale’s fan favourite last season has only yet made five senior appearances for Aston Villa and a permanent move away will demand a relatively high figure considering the 22-year-old’s lengthy contract remainder. When speaking on his time at the club in the 2024/25 season and what the future would hold – back in May – Kesler-Hayden offered this:
“I think it depends… if I was coming to the end of my contract there, then I’d probably have more say. But the reality is I’m not. So while you’re in the contract, obviously there’s not too much that I can do and it’s just up to them on my future and what that holds… we’ll see.”
“I’m sure there will be conversations to be had there. Until then, I won’t know anything. It doesn’t really matter what my say is at the moment, but obviously I love the club and I’ve loved my time here. I’d love to play for this club again. This club will go on to bigger and better, but until I’ve had those conversations, we won’t know.”
Middlesbrough are yet to announce any summer arrivals as of yet, but have recently parted ways with Michael Carrick in search of a new manager to secure play-offs or better in the 2025/26 Championship campaign. Anfernee Dijksteel has left the club following his contract expiration and so a permanent right-back is a position of necessity this summer.
Writer’s View
The decision is now out of the young defender’s hands and a permanent move away might be needed to help settle Villa’s remaining PSR concerns. £5 million deals being thrown around may mean North End completely bow out of a return, so the sentimental influence of any potential deal will not concern Middlesbrough. However, Boro will be looking to pounce on this opportunity to provide healthy competition in both full-back departments.
Carrick’s departure has left the North Yorkshire club without a manager currently, so a move may not materialise until that vacancy is filled. The new head coach’s vision may not align with Kesler-Hayden’s services but the 22-year-old would be a quality addition.
