Ipswich agree £20m deal as Championship rivals await midfielder’s call | OneFootball

Ipswich Agree Deal with Middlesbrough for Hayden Hackney Amid Premier League Interest

Ipswich Make Their Move

Ipswich Town have had a £20 million bid accepted by Middlesbrough for Hayden Hackney, with talks now set to take place between the midfielder and senior figures at Portman Road. The proposal includes a substantial up-front payment, a key element that swayed Boro to accept the Championship rival’s offer following weeks of negotiations. According to The Northern Echo.

The deal represents Ipswich’s firm intention to replace Sam Morsy, who joined Kuwait FC earlier this summer. Hackney, 23, remains undecided, with reports suggesting that he may prefer to wait and assess further options before making a commitment.

Boro’s Next Moves Rely on Sale

Middlesbrough’s willingness to sell is tied to their ambition in the current transfer window. Cashing in on Hackney allows them to press forward on multiple fronts, with a new forward the immediate priority. Talks are said to be advanced for one target, with further reinforcements sought in both full-back and midfield areas.

Interest in free agent Danny Ings remains alive, while the recent arrivals of Alfie Jones and Abdoulaye Kante reflect Boro’s ongoing rebuilding efforts.

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Premier League Links Could Complicate Talks

Although Ipswich are the only club to have submitted a formal offer, Hackney’s profile has drawn attention beyond the Championship. Everton, West Ham and Crystal Palace have all shown interest, while Porto had an offer turned down in January.

His status as a European Under-21 champion with England has added to the sense that he is ready for top-flight football. That perception, combined with reported wages of £35,000 per week being offered by Ipswich, may influence the midfielder’s next steps.

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Player Absence Signals Imminent Decision

Hackney’s absence from recent friendlies, including tonight’s match at Hartlepool United and the weekend draw at Rangers, adds weight to speculation that a transfer is imminent. A knee issue has been cited, but with negotiations now public and progressing, the midfielder’s immediate future could be decided in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough are also fielding interest in Rav van den Berg. Feyenoord have had two bids rejected and FC Köln are interested, though their valuation falls short of expectations.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Ipswich fans, this feels like the type of transfer that signals more than ambition. It marks intent. Hayden Hackney is not a player clubs in the Championship typically get their hands on without a fight, and the fact Ipswich are in pole position speaks volumes about the club’s stature under Kieran McKenna.

Sam Morsy’s departure was always going to leave a void in midfield, both in terms of quality and leadership. Hackney offers a different kind of presence, more expansive in possession, comfortable under pressure and with experience on the international stage. That blend is rare and, crucially, still developing.

Ipswich offering £35,000 a week shows the seriousness of their push. It is not just about plugging a gap, it is about investing in a player who can elevate the team. Fans will also appreciate that the club is not just stockpiling talent, but identifying roles and targeting key upgrades.

Of course, the spectre of Premier League interest lingers. If a late offer arrives from the top flight, it could derail everything. But right now, Ipswich are the only club at the table with a formal bid. If Hackney signs, it would be a major statement for a side not content with simply surviving the Championship. They want to shape it.