Middlesbrough boss Rob Edwards has admitted transfer speculation around Hayden Hackney is inevitable ahead of January, but insists the midfielder remains central to his plans.
Hackney’s standout performance in Boro’s 2-1 win over Ipswich Town underlined his importance, just months after turning down a move to Portman Road despite a £20 million fee being agreed.
What Happened and Why It Matters
Hackney, 23, rejected the opportunity to leave his boyhood club in the summer after Ipswich made a major bid for his services. The academy graduate instead opted to remain on Teesside, where he has become one of the Championship’s most consistent performers.
‘We’ll always try’
Rob Edwards was asked about Hayden Hackney’s #Boro contracthttps://t.co/Z8AMwgKoQ7
— Gazette Boro (@GazetteBoro) October 22, 2025
He delivered a commanding display against Ipswich on Friday night, earning Man of the Match and showcasing the qualities that make him a target for top-flight clubs. Edwards, who took charge earlier this year, confirmed that Middlesbrough will do everything possible to retain their playmaker through the winter window.
“He’s a big player for us,” said Edwards. “We’ll always try to do what’s right by the football club, but there’s also always an element of what’s right for the players as individuals themselves. The most important thing is that he’s here with us right now.”
Edwards added that while fresh speculation is expected as January approaches, Hackney’s professionalism has never been in doubt.
“I know in the build-up to January, we’ll start to get all those questions again,” he said. “He’s a really good player, and he dealt with all that period of time in the summer really well. Friday night probably just cemented why it’s so important that he’s with us.”
Reaction, Impact, and What Comes Next
Hackney’s current deal runs until 2027, offering Boro security should new offers arrive. However, the financial power of Premier League and European clubs remains a lingering threat. Edwards’ confidence suggests Middlesbrough will resist any mid-season bids, with Hackney expected to remain pivotal to their play-off ambitions.
Hayden Hackney hahahaha pic.twitter.com/MBUNGbcKuR
— The Boro Breakdown Podcast (@Boro_Breakdown) October 18, 2025
The club’s situation is further complicated by a number of first-team contracts expiring next summer. Defenders Dael Fry, Luke Ayling, and Darragh Lenihan are all in the final year of their deals, with preliminary talks already underway.
“In the background, those conversations will be going on already,” said Edwards. “We know where everyone is at, contract wise. Soon enough, if people continue to keep doing what they’re doing, then I think there’ll be conversations happening.”
Middlesbrough’s visit to Sheffield Wednesday tonight will test the squad’s depth and focus amid rising external interest. Hackney’s loyalty to his hometown side continues to resonate with supporters who view him as the embodiment of Boro’s identity, a homegrown leader capable of driving the club back toward the Premier League.
For now, Edwards and his staff are determined to keep attention on performances rather than speculation, but January is already shaping up to be another test of Middlesbrough’s resolve in the transfer market.
