Key Points
- West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney for around £20 million.
- Hackney is considered a “creative” midfielder and a potential upgrade or replacement for Tomas Soucek.
- Other Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, are also reportedly tracking Hackney.
- Hackney recently turned down a £20 million move to Ipswich Town, suggesting his preference for Premier League opportunities.
- West Ham’s interest aligns with potential uncertainties around current midfielders Guido Rodriguez, Edson Alvarez, Tomas Soucek, and James Ward-Prowse.
- Hackney has made over 100 appearances for Middlesbrough and is praised for his creativity and versatility in midfield.
- The transfer window discussions highlight competition between clubs for Hackney’s signing, reflecting the strategic rebuilding ambitions at West Ham.
What is the latest on West Ham’s interest in Hayden Hackney?
As reported by Abhishek Deepak of The Hard Tackle, West Ham United have joined the race to sign 23-year-old English midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough. The club is keen to secure a “creative” midfielder as a potential upgrade or replacement for Tomas Soucek, whose future at West Ham is uncertain.
Deepak states: “West Ham have been monitoring Hackney for some time. They are considering a bid for the player who could bring much-needed creativity to their midfield”.
Why is Hayden Hackney seen as the perfect upgrade for Tomas Soucek?
According to Jonathan Booth of Football League World, Hackney’s playing style—marked by creativity, vision, and goal contributions—positions him as an ideal candidate to enhance and possibly replace Soucek’s role at West Ham. Booth notes, “Hayden Hackney offers a more creative spark in midfield which West Ham require given their current squad’s composition”.
The report highlights Hackney’s contribution of 11 goals and nine assists in over 100 appearances for Middlesbrough, underscoring his impact at the EFL Championship level.
Which other clubs are interested in signing Hayden Hackney?
Multiple sources confirm that West Ham faces competition from prominent Premier League clubs for Hackney’s signature. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, as detailed by Abhishek Deepak of The Hard Tackle, are also tracking the midfielder closely.
The Hard Tackle mentions that “Manchester United needs reinforcements in midfield and, with uncertainty around players like Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte, Hackney remains a viable target”. Similarly, Tottenham’s interest is linked to potential departures of players like Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur, creating openings that Hackney could fill.
What is the status of Hackney’s recent transfer moves and Middlesbrough’s asking price?
As reported by Give Me Sport, Hackney recently snubbed a £20 million move to Ipswich Town, indicating his preference to stay in contention for Premier League moves. There is an indication that Middlesbrough may continue to demand around £20 million for the midfielder despite the failed Ipswich transfer.
How does West Ham’s squad situation influence their interest in Hackney?
Football Fancast’s report by Jonathan Booth suggests that West Ham’s midfield has several players whose futures are unclear, including Guido Rodriguez, Edson Alvarez, Tomas Soucek, and James Ward-Prowse, making Hackney a strategic target for squad reinforcement.
Booth explains, “With multiple midfielders possibly leaving or whose long-term futures are in doubt, West Ham needs to secure fresh talent to maintain competitiveness in the Premier League”.
What are the prospects of West Ham completing the signing?
The continued interest and scouting reports suggest West Ham are likely to pursue a competitive bid for Hackney. However, given the interest from Manchester United and Tottenham, a bidding war could ensue, potentially elevating the transfer fee beyond the initially quoted £20 million.
Recent monitoring of Hackney’s games by West Ham and other clubs, as shared on social media and transfer news platforms, supports the seriousness of this pursuit.
What is Hayden Hackney’s football background and current form?
Hayden Hackney is a product of Middlesbrough’s youth system, having joined in 2011. He broke into the first team in January 2021 but became a regular starter during the 2022-23 season. Known for his dynamic midfield role, Hackney has contributed significantly to Middlesbrough’s campaigns with goals and assists, establishing himself as a top performer in the EFL Championship.
His current form and young age (23) make him an attractive option for Premier League clubs looking for long-term midfield solutions.
