Chris Dunlavy

Chris Dunlavy: Hayden Hackney would be mad to leave Middlesbrough in January

From being seen as a source of funds to rebuild an imbalance squad, Hackney has now become the single-most important cog in a promotion push

by
Chris Dunlavy
28 December 2025

Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney powers home their equaliser

Middlesbrough’s hopes of a £20m windfall last summer were scuppered when Hayden Hackney rejected a move to Ipswich Town.

Ironically, they will now be praying that the 23-year-old Teessider shows a similar level of loyalty in January.
In the six months since Ipswich were sent packing, Hackney has evolved from a player wanted only by the Tractor Boys to a top-class midfielder coveted by West Ham, Everton and Crystal Palace.
Knocking back a Championship club is one thing. But a side that can offer European football and a shot at Champions League qualification?

LOYALTY: Hayden HackneyPICTURE...

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