What Neil Warnock has said about Hayden Hackney's Middlesbrough future - he can be kept on one condition | OneFootball

Neil Warnock has issued Middlesbrough a warning about Hayden Hackney's future

Neil Warnock has claimed that Hayden Hackney will be competing in the Premier League next season regardless of whether Middlesbrough gain promotion.

The midfielder was the subject of intense transfer speculation in the previous window, with a move to Ipswich Town almost coming to fruition.

It was reported that the 23-year-old turned down a possible move to Portman Road following the Tractor Boys’ relegation from the top flight.

Middlesbrough had agreed a £20 million fee with the Suffolk outfit, but Hackney opted to remain at the Riverside, having come through the club’s academy system to become a key first team player.

Hackney is now thriving at the Teesside outfit, with Kim Hellberg’s side in the chase for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Neil Warnock makes Hayden Hackney transfer claim

Warnock has claimed that Hackney will be playing in the Premier League no matter what next season due to the quality of his performances for Middlesbrough.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the former Boro boss suggested that the decision for the midfielder to stay at the Riverside last summer was huge for the club because he’s a player that will make it at the very top of the game.

“Keeping Hayden in the summer was huge,” said Hackney.

“He didn’t go to Ipswich in the summer.

“He turned down big money to stay here, where he’s been brought up.

“And it’s paying off for him now.

“He will be in the Premier League next year, with or without Middlesbrough.

“He’ll go to the very top.

“If Middlesbrough don’t go up, I think he will.

“He chips in with some goals as well.”

Hackney was part of the academy system during Warnock’s time as manager at Middlesbrough, with the 23-year-old bursting into the first team squad during the 2022/23 campaign under Michael Carrick.

The Boro academy graduate has played in all 19 of their league games so far this season, contributing three goals and four assists.

Hellberg’s side are currently second in the table, seven points behind leaders Coventry City and two clear of Millwall in third.

Next up for Middlesbrough is a trip to face Charlton Athletic on Tuesday evening in a 7.45pm kick-off.

Keeping Hayden Hackney was huge for Middlesbrough

Hackney’s decision to turn down Ipswich was perhaps more important than any individual signing brought to the club last summer.

The midfielder has had his injury issues in the past, and his form took a hit as a result, but he’s been consistently performing well this season and a constant presence in the team.

It would be surprising if Middlesbrough could hold onto him again in the summer if they aren’t promoted, as there will surely be clubs keen on signing him.

It was reported last summer that Man United were among the clubs interested in Hackney, and his performances this season will surely still have the Premier League side keen on a deal, particularly with their own issues in midfield.