Middlesbrough have finally made their decision on whether to sell Hayden Hackney after a summer of speculation.
The Boro captain has been subject to multiple bids from Premier League sides, including Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are eager to submit a final offer for the 23-year-old before the deadline at 7pm. The biggest offer came from Championship side Ipswich Town, who had their £20 million bid accepted but were rejected by Hackney personally.
Hackney Decision Reached
According to reports from Football League World, Hackney will not be allowed to leave the Riverside Stadium this window, despite the players’ desire to leave for the Premier League this window. Reports from Teesside Live have previously stated that Boro have set a not-for-sale stance following the sales of Rav van den Berg and Finn Azaz, with the latter joining Southampton this window.
Hackney has been tipped with moves to West Ham, Crystal Palace and Wolves, who were believed to have submitted a £30 million package to Rob Edwards’ side also according to Football League World. Vitor Pereira’s side are yet to sign a defensive midfielder this window, after loaning out existing option Boubacar Traore to FC Metz in France earlier this window.
Middlesbrough have got off to a brilliant start under former Luton Town boss Edwards and are the only side left with a 100% record in the Championship after four games. Hackney has one goal and one assist so far this season partnering Aidan Morris in the middle of the pitch as the North-East side looks to return to the Premier League.
Writers’ View
Despite the wishes of the player, it seems that Middlesbrough have held firm on their no-sale stance for Hayden Hackney. The former Scunthorpe United man is more than capable of making the step up to the Premier League and the fees that could have been earned by agreeing a sale to Wolves could have been very beneficial, but it seems that Rob Edwards views his chances of promotion are better with the Boro captain staying on Teesside. With both Finn Azaz and Rav van den Berg sold already this window, keeping Hackney at the club seemed pivotal to their chances. This season is now crucial to get right and gain promotion; otherwise, the same sides that tried this summer will come in again to sign one of the Championship’s best players.
