Crystal Palace prepare £20m move for Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney

Crystal Palace are reportedly readying a £20 million offer for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, according to the Daily Mail. The England Under-21 international has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, but Palace are said to be at the front of the queue.

Who is Hayden Hackney?

Hackney, 22, has been a standout performer for Middlesbrough in the Championship this season. The central midfielder has registered three goals and four assists in 28 league appearances, showcasing his ability to drive forward from deep positions. His performances earned him a call-up to the England U21 squad, where he has made four appearances.

Palace's interest comes as Oliver Glasner looks to bolster his midfield options. The Eagles currently sit 14th in the Premier League, but have struggled for creativity in the middle of the park. Hackney's passing range and energy could provide a much-needed spark.

Transfer context and analysis

The proposed £20m fee is significant for a Championship midfielder, but it reflects Hackney's potential and Middlesbrough's strong negotiating position. The club is under no pressure to sell, with Hackney under contract until 2027. However, a bid of that size may prove difficult to turn down.

  • Hackney would become Palace's third signing of the January window after the arrivals of Daniel Muñoz and Adam Wharton.
  • The deal would represent a record sale for Middlesbrough, surpassing the £20m received for Adama Traoré in 2016.
  • Palace face competition from Leeds United and Brighton, but are considered the frontrunners.

From a tactical standpoint, Hackney fits Glasner's preference for mobile, box-to-box midfielders. He is comfortable in a 3-4-3 system, having played both as a deep-lying playmaker and as a more advanced No. 8. His arrival could allow Eberechi Eze to operate in a more advanced role, reducing his defensive responsibilities.

Fantasy Premier League implications

For FPL managers, Hackney is unlikely to be a viable option in the short term. Palace's fixtures include matches against Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City in the next six Gameweeks. If he joins, his price would likely be set at around £5.0m, similar to other promoted midfielders. His potential for points is limited by Palace's defensive-minded approach under Glasner.

What's next?

Palace are expected to formalise their bid in the coming days, with Middlesbrough likely to demand a higher fee. The January transfer window closes on February 1, so negotiations will need to move quickly. If the deal falls through, Hackney could remain at the Riverside until the summer, where his value may increase further.

Filed under: Transfer Rumours | LA Premier League Home