According to Football Insider, Middlesbrough have set conditions for selling star midfielder Hayden Hackney. The Championship high-flyers will only facilitate a departure if they fail to achieve promotion to the Premier League, which could make things tricky for the likes of Manchester United and Everton.
Hayden Hackney is close to reaching 150 appearances for his boyhood club, Middlesbrough and has been putting in star performances this season. The midfield talent has five goals and six assists in 35 official games across all competitions, but his future could come under some doubt amid heavy interest from elsewhere.
Everton and Manchester United are credited with an interest, while others may soon join if a door opens for Hackney’s sale. A host of other teams are also keen to bring the midfielder to the Premier League next season, but any move will depend on Middlesbrough’s stance.
Everton have been interested for a while, as David Moyes views the 23-year-old Championship midfield sensation as an ideal addition to his system. The Toffees could also offer Hackney a more prominent role than a club like Manchester United, in theory, which could give Everton an advantage in the race.
Manchester United are set to undertake a midfield revamp and, while a player like Hackney is not their priority, his potential availability would be viewed as a market opportunity. The idea is to add a good-quality player alongside a few top-notch additions, and the 23-year-old would represent a good investment.
Middlesbrough will only sell Hackney if they fail to gain promotion to the Premier League. The Championship high-flyers are currently second with a six-point advantage over third-placed Millwall, so they might be viewed as favourites to clinch one of the automatic promotion spots. Hence, this condition set by the club could be a tricky way to keep him, as they will certainly want him with them in the top flight.
The only caveat is that Hackney’s contract ends in 2027 and, should the 23-year-old not sign a new deal, a sale could be imminent. Middlesbrough may not be keen on losing the midfield star on a free transfer in 2027, as a reasonable transfer fee could help them in the transfer market if they do make their return to the top flight.
