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Hayden Hackney has become one of the most sought-after names in English football, with former Middlesbrough stalwart Gary Pallister telling GOAL that the talented midfielder could follow a career trajectory similar to England international and £130 million ($172m) Manchester City target Elliot Anderson. After proving his worth in the EFL, the composed playmaker now appears poised to make his mark in the Premier League.

Middlesbrough endured disappointment in the 2026 Championship play-off final.

Hackney had hoped to achieve promotion with his boyhood club Middlesbrough, having been part of their academy since 2011 and gradually rising through the youth setup on Teesside. Over time, he became a key senior player, making 154 appearances and scoring 16 goals.

The club reached the Championship play-off final at the close of the 2025-26 season, but Hackney’s campaign was disrupted by injury. He could only play a limited role in their promotion quest, and the midfielder was seen in tears at Wembley after a heartbreaking defeat to Hull City.

Premier League transfer: Where will Hackney land next?

With just one year remaining on the 24-year-old’s contract at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough are expected to consider offers for one of their most valuable homegrown talents.

A potential reunion with former Boro manager Michael Carrick at Manchester United was discussed, but reports suggest Hackney could first make a move to another Premier League side before joining one of the league’s giants. Clubs such as Nottingham Forest and Everton have reportedly shown strong interest, with significant bids expected.

Could Hackney follow the same path as England star Anderson?

Hackney is widely expected to secure a move before the transfer window closes. When asked if he could emulate fellow North East product Anderson—who left Newcastle United for Nottingham Forest in 2024 and has since become a World Cup performer for England—Pallister, speaking in association with Spreadex Sports, told GOAL: “Hayden was named Championship Player of the Year and we certainly missed him during the run-in and in the play-off games. I know he came on for the last half-hour or so in the final.”

He added, “He’s a very good player. I believe he’s capable of playing in the Premier League, though I’m not sure he’s ready for a top six Premier League side just yet. There are already two or three Premier League clubs pursuing him, and he has an important decision to make about his future.”

“I think he’ll be bitterly disappointed that Middlesbrough couldn’t secure promotion last season. It will be interesting to see if, with Premier League football, he can follow a route similar to Elliot Anderson. Playing alongside better players often helps you develop, and I think that will be the case for him.”

“I’ve loved watching what he’s done for Middlesbrough. His career path is quite similar to mine, and I don’t expect him to still be at Middlesbrough when the new season begins.”

Price tags: Anderson valued at £130m, Hackney expected around £20m

Reports suggest that a deal for Hackney could reach around £20m ($26m), a figure that pales in comparison to the British-record transfer fee likely to take Anderson from the City Ground to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.

Nevertheless, Hackney still has time on his side. As a member of England’s victorious U21 European Championship team in 2025—alongside Anderson—he has already shown his potential at international level. A senior England call-up may not be far away for the promising midfielder.