Tottenham Hotspur Are Eyeing A Move For This Championship Midfielder: Should Spurs Snap Him Up? | OneFootball

In a recent interview with EFL Analysis, journalist Graeme Bailey claimed that Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. Bailey said,

“So yes, I do expect Hackney will go. The likes of Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, Man United, and West Ham have watched him.

“You could even see Burnley coming in for him to replace Josh Brownhill. I wouldn’t rule that out necessarily. I think there are a host of options for him that will present themselves over the coming weeks.

“Will he be there to start the season? Possibly. But by the end of the window, I think it’ll be a different situation.”

Hackney’s Impressive Form In The Premier League

Hackney enjoyed a good run of form at the English club as he produced a series of impressive performances for them in the middle of the park. The English sensation made 44 appearances for Middlesbrough last season, netting five goals and picking up three assists across various competitions.

The 23-year-old deserves some credit for 1.90 shots per 90 minutes in the EFL Championship. He kept 30% of his shots on target. Hackney even distributed the ball accurately from midfield based on his pass completion rate of 83.7% in the English second tier (stats via fbref.com).

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 12: Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough reacts during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sheffield United FC and Middlesbrough FC at Bramall Lane on February 12, 2025 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Should Tottenham Hotspur Boss Thomas Frank Snap Hackney Up?

Hackney is an energetic runner with the ball and can create the odd chance for his teammates in the final third. He can strike the ball with power from long range and can chip in by scoring and creating a handful of important goals for his team in the final third.

The English sensation is primarily a holding midfielder but can also operate as a box-to-box midfielder or as an attacking midfielder if needed. However, only time will tell whether he can make a smooth transition to life in the Premier League.

We can expect him to bring more quality to Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank’s midfield. He has what it takes to compete for a regular starting place at the North London club next season.

At 23, the future looks quite promising for Hackney. Therefore, Spurs would be wise to go all out to snap him up in this summer transfer window.