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EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal how Hayden Hackney feels about his Middlesbrough future following the summer transfer window.
Following his impressive form last season, the future of Middlesbrough academy graduate Hackney was in the limelight this summer.
The England youth international has attracted attention from several Premier League clubs, and Hackney rejected Ipswich Town’s offer after holding talks with the Championship side.
Boro top the Championship after their unbeaten start to life under Rob Edwards, with Hackney playing a pivotal role in Middlesbrough’s engine room.
Now, EFL Analysis can detail what Hackney is trying to “prove” to his Premier League suitors.
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Hayden Hackney wants to ‘prove’ he deserves Premier League attention
Middlesbrough will ignore January offers for Hackney, and Boro’s brilliant start has only increased the importance of retaining their prized asset.
Hackney has started all of Boro’s six Championship games so far this season, and scored in the 3-0 win over Millwall last month.
Now, EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal with information from our Chief Football correspondent Graeme Bailey, that the secret to Hackney’s success lies in his aim to prove his Premier League credentials.
Bailey explained: “Obviously when you get clubs in form, teams catch attention. Hayden Hackney has had a spectacular start to this season and he looks like he’s really taken a step up.
“I know from speaking to a few Premier League clubs and scouts that he’s really impressed. Hackney looks as if he’s got that level of maturity, he’s taken it on with Boro this season.
“I think Hackney had a bit of a realisation this summer, that bubble really popped because although he’s been linked and been watched by many clubs in the Premier League – we know Manchester United to Chelsea to Tottenham etc – they’ve all looked at him but none of them made a move for him.
“Even the likes of Everton and Palace, they all like him but the only offer he got was Ipswich Town.
“He turned that down, and I think what we’re seeing now is Hackney knowing he has got to go and prove that he deserves a Premier League move, and that’s exactly what he’s doing now.
“I think he’s really taken the season on by the scuff of the neck. He would love to take Middlesbrough to the Premier League.
https://x.com/Boro/status/1956790563434373277“He wants to show that he’s worthy of that Premier League attention. I know he hasn’t got the captain’s armband, but he is really leading that Middlesbrough side. He’s the heartbeat of that team and he’s showing remarkable form.
“Last season you’d describe him as one of the best prospects in the Championship. Now he’s as good as and playing as well as anyone in the Championship.
“He’s looked absolutely tremendous and clearly he’s going to garner Premier League attention, but if Boro are in promotion contention in January, Steve Gibson will learn from last year and will not sell his best assets from under the nose of Rob Edwards.”
Hayden Hackney is Middlesbrough’s most important player
Hackney and Aidan Morris have established themselves as one of the best midfield pairings in the Championship, if not the best.
Morris’ aggressive defending has been the perfect accompaniment to Hackney’s technical qualities in the Middlesbrough engine room.
According to FBref, Hackney sits in the 98th percentile for both progressive carries (2.84 per 90) and progressive passes (9.7 per 90).
Although the USA international has been outstanding, Hackney is the jewel in Edwards’ crown at Middlesbrough, connecting defence to attack through his exploits in the middle of the park with aplomb.
With a trip to Southampton up next for Middlesbrough, the Boro dynamo will be keen to continue helping his boyhood club on their quest to top flight status.