Tottenham “have watched” 23-year-old playmaker, £20-25m offer could get deal done
Tottenham Hotspur Eye Move for Rising Star Hayden Hackney as Midfield Reinforcements Planned
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly monitoring the progress of Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney as they prepare for a busy summer transfer window. The 23-year-old has been one of the standout performers in the Championship over the past year, and his consistently impressive displays have attracted interest from multiple Premier League clubs.
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking via EFL Analysis, Spurs have been among the Premier League sides keeping close tabs on Hackney’s development. The midfielder’s performances have not only earned him admiration across the English top flight but also from clubs in mainland Europe. Despite Middlesbrough’s desire to retain their prized asset, they may find it difficult to resist a significant offer in the region of £20–25 million.
Tottenham Among Several Premier League Suitors
Bailey revealed that virtually every club in the Premier League has scouted Hackney, underscoring just how high his stock has risen following his breakthrough season. He commented:
> “Hayden Hackney obviously does have a lot of interest from some teams in Europe, and in England there are a host of clubs who have watched him; there isn’t a single Premier League club who hasn’t watched Hackney.
He’s doing well, and Middlesbrough will have a price on him. If someone comes in with £20–25m, it’ll be very hard for Middlesbrough to turn that down. It’s pure profit.
So yes, I do expect Hackney will go. The likes of Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, Manchester United, and West Ham have watched him.”
This growing interest could trigger a competitive bidding process, especially with Spurs and other European participants like West Ham and United looking to add depth for their respective continental campaigns.
A Smart Investment for Spurs
Tottenham’s midfield options were stretched last season, and with Champions League football now on the horizon following their Europa League triumph, bolstering the squad is a top priority. The club’s new manager, Thomas Frank, is expected to oversee a rebuild that blends top-level talent with emerging prospects. Hackney fits that bill perfectly.
The former England U21 international has proven himself capable of dictating play in the middle of the park, showcasing a mature blend of composure, tactical awareness, and creativity. He also contributes defensively with strong pressing and ball recovery, making him a well-rounded option for Premier League sides seeking energetic midfielders who can operate in multiple roles.
Given Tottenham’s current midfield depth — which includes Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg — the addition of Hackney would provide a younger, long-term option who can be developed further and rotated in to manage the growing demands of a two-front campaign.
A Dream Move for Hackney?
For Hackney, the opportunity to join Tottenham would represent a massive leap forward in his career. After emerging from Middlesbrough’s youth system and becoming a key part of Michael Carrick’s side, the time may now be right for the 23-year-old to test himself at the highest level.
Playing under a progressive manager like Thomas Frank, who has a track record of improving young players, would appeal to the ambitious midfielder. Moreover, the lure of Champions League football, combined with the chance to compete against the Premier League’s elite, could prove decisive in any future negotiations.
Can Spurs Get the Deal Done?
Tottenham have the financial capability to meet Middlesbrough’s asking price, especially following the revenue boost from European success. The only question is whether they will make Hackney a priority target in a summer where bigger names like Eberechi Eze, Mohammed Kudus, and Xavi Simons have also been linked to the club.
Nevertheless, with Spurs aiming to build a deeper, more versatile squad, targeting a value-for-money signing like Hackney could be a clever move. His ceiling is high, his price is reasonable compared to other midfielders on the market, and he comes with the added benefit of being homegrown, a factor that is increasingly important in squad registration for European competitions.
As July nears and the financial year resets, Spurs are expected to ramp up their transfer activity — and Hackney could be one of the first moves in what promises to be a transformative window for the North London club.