Hayden Hackney makes decisive call over Middlesbrough future after talks with Ipswich Town

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Hayden Hackney has been the subject of transfer negotiations with Ipswich Town, and a critical decision has been made by the midfielder over his future.

Middlesbrough headlines have been dominated by the potential of high-profile exits this summer following the appointment of Rob Edwards.

The future of homegrown Boro talent Hayden Hackney has been in contention with the 2025/26 Championship campaign approaching after Ipswich Town emerged as suitors for the midfielder.

Ipswich plotted a move for Hackney in an attempt to thwart the Premier League interest in his services.

This week, Middlesbrough agreed a deal in principle for Hackney with Ipswich, and now the England youth international has made a decision over his footballing future.

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Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney rejects Ipswich Town move

After it emerged that the Boro academy graduate was ‘open’ to the Ipswich move, Middlesbrough fans turned on Hackney given that his transfer would be directly strengthening a Championship rival.

Manchester United and Tottenham have tracked Hackney this year, and a move to a Premier League giant would be a much easier pill to swallow for the Boro faithful than seeing him move to Portman Road.

Thankfully for the Boro faithful, Hackney has now reportedly turned down the opportunity to join Ipswich despite holding talks with Tractor Boys boss Kieran McKenna.

Scott Wilson revealed via the Northern Echo: “Hayden Hackney has turned down the opportunity to join Ipswich Town.

“The Middlesbrough midfielder held talks with Ipswich officials after an offer of around £20m was accepted for his services.

“Hackney is understood to have travelled to Suffolk in the last 48 hours to discuss a proposed move to Ipswich.

“However, the England Under-21 international has opted against a move to Portman Road despite Ipswich offering a significant increase on his current wages at the Riverside.

“He has conveyed his decision to Middlesbrough officials, who have now brought their talks with Ipswich to an end.”

Evidently, this does not directly mean Hackney will remain a Middlesbrough player by the time the transfer window slams shut on September 1, but the Boro fanbase must be pleased with the development.

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What Rob Edwards has said about Hayden Hackney amid Ipswich Town negotiations

Edwards commented on Hackney’s future just days before the news emerged that the 23-year-old has shunned a move to Ipswich.

Boro boss Edwards told BBC Sport Tees: “The ball is in Hayden’s court, that’s where we stand.

“It’s a win-win. If he stays then he’s ours, which is great. If he goes, then there’ll be funds available.”

Hackney was likely to leave Middlesbrough long before Michael Carrick was sacked and Edwards was instilled in his place.

With the news of Hackney rebuffing Ipswich’s interest, it now remains to be seen whether Middlesbrough will dodge the inevitable resurgence of Premier League interest in the England youth international’s signature.

Hackney started on the bench in Boro’s pre-season friendly against Deportivo this (Saturday, August 2) afternoon.