Liga Portugal giants FC Porto are insistent on a deal to secure Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney this summer.
Progressing through the ranks at Middlesbrough, Hayden Hackney has become a mainstay in the Middlesbrough first eleven, amassing 109 appearances for the club at the age of 22.
This progress has been well documented, with interest in the midfielder amassing every transfer window.
According to reports from Sky Sports, top-flight clubs from England, Portugal, and Germany are interested in pursuing a deal for the Middlesbrough man, with FC Porto emerging as a plausible destination.
FC Porto Move for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney
Having had two bids rejected in the January transfer window, Porto is expected to resume efforts to secure the youngster’s signature.
Any move for the midfielder could be largely dependent on the league Middlesbrough compete in next year, with their final day trip to Coventry City and results elsewhere decisive to Boro’s playoff hopes.
In addition, the midfielder is a likely feature in England U21’s European Championships in June, meaning a deal for the midfielder could have to wait.
As reported by Sky Sports, the Englishman is being chased by a number of European clubs, including Bundesliga side Stuttgart though the German club has not made a solid approach at this stage.
The Middlesbrough academy product will be entering the final two years of his contract at The Riverside, which could present a difficult decision in terms of making a profit on the midfielder.
How has he fared for Middlesbrough this season?
In what’s been perhaps an expected campaign from Michael Carrick’s side, Boro sit ninth in the division with any promotion chances down to the final day.
In his third season as part of the club’s first team, Hackney has made 43 appearances contributing to five goals and three assists – his most prolific season yet.
Partnering with Aidan Morris in the middle, the youngster is integral to Carrick’s possession, passing-focused style.
In fact, his breakthrough has been largely of credit to the former Manchester United coach’s management, with Hackney flourishing since Carrick’s arrival.
What decision should Hackney make?
The midfielder’s talent is well-documented, and at the age of 22, the football world is his oyster.
With FC Porto expected to step up their efforts in the summer window, the Portuguese giants are an attractive location for young prospects – having produced the likes of James Rodriguez, Luis Diaz, and Éder Militão.
Game time at top-flight level next season could also put Hackney in contention for Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
However; regular game time at top-flight level could yet come with Middlesbrough, with the coming weekend hugely decisive for the midfielder’s future.