Everton to pay close attention to key Middlesbrough clash as Hayden Hackney future in balance
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The 23-year-old is currently injured but has enjoyed a strong season in the middle for Boro, despite their recent collapse.Middlesbrough had been on the charge for the Championship title amid Coventry City’s wobble at the start of the year, but the couple of months have brought a more significant tumble for the chasers.Kim Hellberg’s side have not won a game since the start of March, and have emerged on the winning side just twice from the last 12 games.Everton transfer chiefs will be watching alongside Nottingham Forest as Middlesbrough attempt to save their play-off hopes against Sheffield Wednesday on Wednesday. 💸 Everton Transfer News 💸 Get the latest recruitment inside track from the Hill Dickinson Stadium: exclusive updates on the pursuit of Liam Delap, the Friedkin Group’s summer budget, and Jack Grealish’s permanent future. VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Hayden Hackney future to be decided by Championship fateFormer Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider earlier this month that Nottingham Forest want to sign Hackney, but the move depends on Middlesbrough’s promotion hopes.And the same can be said for the other teams hoping to sign the 23-year-old this summer, with a decision on his future not to be taken lightly.Hayden HackneyStats – Championship 2025-26Appearances38Goals5Assists7Chances created83Successful dribbles54Recoveries205Duels won186Hackney was named Championship Player of the Season this week, and to little surprise.
The midfielder has been key to Middlesbrough’s promotion hopes, and his injury has been a devastating blow.Should they be able to beat Sheffield Wednesday this week, Hellberg’s team will have at least protected their place in the play-off positions for now.But without Premier League football next season, Boro will find it incredibly hard to keep hold of Hackney. The England youth international has been with Middlesbrough for the entirety of his career so far, having joined as a boy, but with one year remaining on his contract this summer, he is keen to take the next step.What Hackney has said about Middlesbrough amid links awayWest Ham and Ipswich Town have attempted to sign Hackney in recent years, but he has always resisted efforts to take him away from the Riverside Stadium.
The midfielder will want to play Premier League football at some point, however, and his contract situation likely depends on the season’s final games. Injury Hub Out: Jack Grealish (Foot)Doubt: S.