Major Hayden Hackney and Finn Azaz updates as Middlesbrough prepare to sanction sales

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EFL Analysis has gained an insight into Middlesbrough’s plans regarding potential sales this summer, with updates on Finn Azaz and Hayden Hackney.

Middlesbrough fans have been left reeling on the back of a disappointing 2024/25 campaign.

Boro failed to make the play-offs for the second season in a row under Michael Carrick, whose future is still up in the air.

Middlesbrough are assessing their campaign, and the latest update on the situation was that Steve Gibson had yet to decide what to do with Carrick.

While much of the talk around the club of late has been regarding their manager, transfer rumours are beginning to emerge.

• READ MORE: Tony Mowbray makes bold Middlesbrough promotion claim, they’re not ‘far away’ from Sunderland’s level

Hayden Hackney and Finn Azaz Middlesbrough future updates

We learned earlier in the season that Hayden Hackney was likely to leave if Middlesbrough didn’t make the play-offs.

Crystal Palace scouted Finn Azaz in the March international break, and links to the midfielder have emerged once more this week.

Now, EFL Analysis has an exclusive update on Azaz, Hackney, and Rav van den Berg.

We understand that Middlesbrough are unlikely to sanction the sale of midfield star Azaz this summer.

The former Aston Villa man has been outstanding, but his deal does not contain a release clause.

Boro are expected to sanction some sales this summer, but we are told that England U21 star Hackney is the most likely big-name exit from the Riverside.

Hackney, being homegrown, would represent pure profit for Boro, and his sale would mean no other deals are required – although that won’t stop the interest, and Azaz is being viewed as an option by a number of clubs.

Defender Rav van den Berg is also a known target for a number of top-flight clubs from England and abroad, and another who could be the subject of bids this summer.

Finn Azaz Middlesbrough stats

Azaz joined Middlesbrough in January 2024 from Aston Villa following a successful loan spell with Plymouth Argyle.

He scored four and assisted five for Boro in the second half of 2023/24 and had a particularly fruitful 2024/25.

The 24-year-old netted 12 and assisted 11 in 44 Championship matches for the Teessiders this past season.

No player scored more than Azaz in the second tier while also reaching double figures for assists.