- Crystal Palace ‘confident’ over Hayden Hackney
- Middlesbrough midfielder on wishlist
- Described as ‘Championship Declan Rice’
Crystal Palace are reportedly in a strong position and feel “pretty confident” about signing Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, per Mick Brown of Football Insider.
The 23-year-old midfielder has established himself as arguably the finest talent in the Championship. However, following Boro’s agonising playoff final defeat to Hull City, his departure from the Riverside Stadium is now considered “almost inevitable.”
Up to half of the Premier League are said to be keeping tabs on the highly-rated playmaker. The Eagles believe they hold a massive trump card in negotiations.
Palace’s European Edge
Having lifted the UEFA Conference League trophy in Oliver Glasner’s final act as manager, Palace have not only secured silverware but also booked their place in next season’s Europa League.
According to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, this puts the South Londoners in a commanding position to see off competition from Nottingham Forest, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Newcastle:
“I’m told Crystal Palace are going to be one of those interested clubs. They’ve been interested in him for a while, and that opportunity might be there now, especially after they won the Conference League.”
Brown added:
“Palace can offer him European football and the chance to step up into the Premier League, so from their point of view, they’ll be pretty confident.”
Despite EFL journalist Chris Dunlavy describing Hackney as the “Championship Declan Rice”, Brown warned that jumping straight from the second tier into a Premier League side playing European football does carry some risk:
“The one thing I would say, though, is that whoever gets Hackney is taking a bit of a gamble. He’s regarded as the best player in the Championship, and I think that’s fair, but the Premier League is a big step up and he’s untested at that level, let alone in Europe. So Palace’s scouts have to decide whether it’s worth the gamble, and it seems they think he will be.”
Hackney enjoyed a stellar 2025/26 campaign in the second tier, running the show from the heart of Middlesbrough’s midfield. His output speaks for itself, with six goals and eight assists in 41 games, proving he has added a clinical edge to his superb progression and press resistance.
Palace’s charm
Palace have built a strong reputation as an attractive destination for the Championship’s elite talent. Just look at the success of Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, and Adam Wharton.
Hackney fits the exact profile of young, hungry, dynamic players the club loves to develop. If the hierarchy can use our new European status to wrap up this signing ahead of a crowded field, it would represent another massive coup for the Eagles.
