West Ham to table loan-to-buy offer for £25m-rated Hayden Hackney, Middlesbrough stance speculated
West Ham could make a late attempt to sign Hayden Hackney on an initial loan from Middlesbrough.
West Ham have eyed a move for Hackney this summer as their midfield problems under Graham Potter continue to represent a concern at the London Stadium.
The Hammers may have completed deals for Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa, but that isn’t to say that another midfield signing wouldn’t be useful.
This is where a West Ham swoop for Middlesbrough ace Hackney could make sense ahead of the 1 September transfer deadline in East London.
Ex-West Ham man Michael Carrick thinks Hackney is “exemplary” and that could see him become a perfect addition for the Irons, if a tricky deal can be arranged.
This story includes exclusive comment from ex-manager Martin Allen.
Middlesbrough to set Hayden Hackney transfer demands
It does feel as though the signing of Hackney could disrupt Freddie Potts at West Ham, but after a poor start to the season, Potter can’t let this impact transfer dealings.
As good as the 21-year-old was at Portsmouth, he has far less experience than the Boro star, who is arguably one of the best players in the Championship right now.
| Stat per 90 (2024/25) | Hayden Hackney |
| Successful passes | 61.89 |
| Chances created | 1.57 |
| Fouls won | 1.45 |
| Tackles won | 1.33 |
| Duels won | 5.15 |
As a result, the price tag set by Rob Edwards and Co. is bound to be sizable, but the Hammers could look to arrange a deal to benefit them this summer.
Former Hammers midfielder Allen has mooted a loan with an obligation to buy for Hackney in E20, but understands that Boro may not be receptive to such an offer.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Allen said: “A loan with an obligation to buy next season would be a useful option in terms of spending for West Ham.
“Whether Middlesbrough would like that, I’m not sure.
“If they are to sell him, they’ll probably be after £25m with £10m in add-ons and a sell-on clause in case he becomes an £80m-90m player.
“We’ve seen players of a similar age move from the Championship into the Premier League, Adam Wharton is an excellent example.
“Maybe it’s time West Ham plunge in and looks to unearth a diamond like Hackney.“
West Ham could land their own version of Adam Wharton
There is no getting away from the fact that Wharton has been exceptional since his surprise move to Selhurst Park from Blackburn Rovers.
This could prove to be the perfect case study for the Hammers, as some might say that Hackney is in a better place than the Palace man was before his Premier League move.
As a result, it could prove to be a huge coup for Potter and Co. to land the England under-21 international before the window slams shut.
It will certainly be interesting to see if Middlesbrough will accept a deal this summer for Potter to shore up his midfield in excellent fashion.
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