Middlesbrough player creates 'real buzz' in recruitment circles - tipped to be next Elliot Anderson | OneFootball

Hayden Hackney has been touted for a route into the England setup in a couple of years

Hayden Hackney is set to be the subject of plenty of summer transfer interest after Middlesbrough's Premier League pursuit came up just short.

The 23-year-old, who came through the Boro academy, was close to departing the Riverside last summer, when Ipswich Town had a £20 million bid accepted. Hackney would turn that move down, though, ahead of a career year with his current club.

Indeed, Hackney would better his breakout season from 2024/25, finishing the campaign with six goals and eight assists in all competitions, but his impact on the Middlesbrough squad was massive, with Kim Hellberg's side winning just two of the 10 games he missed in the run-in and then in their play-off semi-final legs against Southampton.

He was a deserved winner of the Championship Player of the Season, and all eyes are on what may be next for the exciting midfielder, both in a club and international sense.

Hayden Hackney touted for rapid rise into England conversation, like Elliot Anderson

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It was heavily reported earlier this week that Everton are one of the many Premier League sides that are interested in bringing Hackney to the top flight, with a £15 million fee touted for the 23-year-old, who has just one year left on his deal.

With the prospect of the Boro man possibly leaving for free this time next year, an eight-figure fee with a hefty sell-on clause may put top-flight sides off a pursuit, but the potential for Hackney to grow into one of England's top midfielders at the Hill Dickinson Stadium shouldn't be something that the Toffees should turn down.

According to the i, Hackney is more than highly rated in recruitment circles, with there being a "real buzz" around his future. One person stated that there's a possibility that the 23-year-old could break into the England setup in the next couple of years, as Elliot Anderson has recently.

Anderson has had a standout year at Nottingham Forest, and many are expecting the 23-year-old to be lining up alongside Declan Rice at the heart of Thomas Tuchel's side in this summer's World Cup.

He only made his senior international debut last September, which puts into perspective how impressive the former Newcastle United academy product has grown this past season.

Hackney was a regular in the England under-21's side until he became ineligible to play for them due to age, making 13 appearances under Lee Carsley and lifting the Under-21 European Championships in 2025.

Hayden Hackney would be arriving in the Premier League with plenty of expectations - if he gets there

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It's often the case that emerging Englishmen can get overhyped, but for those who have watched Hackney over the past season, there's a reason why recruiters are getting excited about what the Middlesbrough man can do in the top flight.

That is, though, if the 23-year-old does make a move to a Premier League club this summer. Boro are reportedly happy to keep their academy star if their valuation isn't met, which would ensure at least another year outside the top-flight for the Championship's best player.

Second-tier fans wouldn't mind that, and neither would those in the stands at the Riverside, as long as it results in them going one better next season and getting promotion over the line.

But, with the need to improve numerous different positions this summer at Middlesbrough to keep up with Kim Hellberg's physically demanding playstyle, a sale could be beneficial, as it would allow more money to be reinvested into the whole squad. A decision will need to be made.

Either way, all eyes will be on Hackney heading into next season, whether that be as one of the Championship's premier stars or as one of the more exciting Premier League midfielders with a potential England call-up on the horizon.