Report: Crystal Palace plan move for Middlesbrough Midfielder | OneFootball

Crystal Palace Target Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney in Summer Move

Crystal Palace are plotting a summer move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, according to Football Insider. The Eagles have had scouts monitoring the 22-year-old’s performances throughout the season, and there is now a growing belief that he is ready to make the step up to the Premier League.

Hackney Impressing in the Championship

“Crystal Palace are plotting a move to sign Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney this summer, sources have told Football Insider.” That sentence alone underlines the level of interest in the young midfielder, but it is no surprise given his performances this season. Hackney has started all 35 of Boro’s Championship fixtures, accumulating over 3,000 minutes on the pitch. He has been a key figure in Michael Carrick’s midfield, contributing five goals and two assists while maintaining a consistency that has caught the eye of Premier League clubs.

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Palace’s recruitment in recent years has focused on young talent from the Championship. The club has enjoyed success with signings such as Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, and Adam Wharton—players who have flourished in the top flight and, in Olise’s case, earned a big-money move to Bayern Munich. Hackney could be next in line to follow that pathway.

Middlesbrough’s Promotion Fight Could Decide Hackney’s Future

Hackney’s future could be dictated by Middlesbrough’s final league position. Carrick’s side are currently eighth in the Championship, three points behind sixth-placed West Brom but just three points ahead of 12th-placed Sheffield Wednesday.

If Boro secure promotion, they will be in a much stronger position to retain Hackney. However, should they miss out, keeping their academy graduate could prove difficult. “They are reluctant to let Hackney leave this summer and plan to keep hold of their star academy graduate – but it may be difficult to turn down big-money offers if they remain a Championship side,” Football Insider reports.

For Palace, that presents an opportunity. If Hackney is available, they will likely push to secure his services ahead of other potential suitors.

Palace Continue Championship Recruitment Strategy

The Eagles’ interest in Hackney aligns with their proven recruitment model. Eze arrived from QPR, Olise from Reading, and Wharton from Blackburn, all developing into top-level talents. The departure of director of football Dougie Freedman, who played a key role in these signings, has raised questions, but sources suggest his exit will not impact Palace’s summer transfer plans.

“Hackney is being lined up as the latest Championship signing to make the step up at Palace as Oliver Glasner plans to add to his squad,” reports Football Insider. Given their recent transfer successes, it is easy to see why Palace remain confident in this approach.

Our View – EPL Index

From a Crystal Palace fan’s perspective, the prospect of signing Hackney is both exciting and logical. The club has built its recent success on smart recruitment, and Hackney fits the profile of a player who could develop into a Premier League star.

His passing range, ability to dictate the tempo, and work rate make him an ideal addition to Oliver Glasner’s midfield. With Eze and Wharton already at the club, adding another technically gifted young midfielder would strengthen Palace’s engine room.

However, there are challenges. Hackney is a crucial player for Middlesbrough, and if they push for promotion, Boro may fight to keep him. Furthermore, Palace must ensure their Championship scouting strategy continues to pay off without Freedman at the helm.

If a deal can be struck, Hackney has the potential to be another success story at Selhurst Park. Palace fans will be watching closely as the summer window approaches.