Interest is building around the Middlesbrough midfielder as the January transfer window approaches.
Having progressed through the academy ranks of the Championship club, Hackney has recently established himself as a pivotal figure at The Riverside Stadium. Over the course of the last season and the current one, the 21-year-old has accumulated more than 50 appearances, solidifying his position as a consistent and influential starter under the management of Michael Carrick.
His impressive form has not only solidified his position at the club but has also earned him recognition at the international level, where he has garnered several caps for England’s Under 21s side.
Given his notable achievements and contributions, it comes as no great surprise that the Middlesbrough academy graduate is drawing significant attention from other quarters.
Nottingham Forest eyeing move for Hackney
Recent reports from The Daily Mail suggest that several Premier League clubs are closely monitoring Hackney as the January transfer window approaches. Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs keeping an eye on the midfielder’s progress at the Riverside Stadium. Additionally, Nottingham Forest, another team from the top flight, is considering making a move to sign the 21-year-old.
Given the attention he is attracting and his promising performances, securing Hackney’s signature would be a significant coup for Nottingham Forest. However, there is a potential complication in the form of an individual who is still technically a Nottingham Forest player. This situation may pose challenges in the pursuit of bringing Hackney to The City Ground.
Lewis O’Brien injury means Middlesbrough can ill-afford to let Hackney go
In the previous summer, Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough engaged in another transfer deal between the two clubs. However, this transaction involved a move in the opposite direction compared to the potential deal concerning Hackney. During that transfer, Lewis O’Brien left The City Ground and joined Middlesbrough on a season-long loan deal.
Following the completion of that transfer, the midfielder featured in six appearances across all competitions for Middlesbrough at the beginning of the season. Unfortunately, his progress was halted when he sustained a serious ankle/lower leg injury during a 3-2 victory against Watford. Since the end of September, the 25-year-old has been sidelined and has not made any further appearances for the Championship club.
The exact timeline for O’Brien’s return to action with Middlesbrough remains uncertain, as the injury has ruled him out for several months.
Certainly, after such an extended period of inactivity, there is the potential that the midfielder will require some time to regain full match fitness and sharpness.
With the current shortage of options in the center of midfield for Middlesbrough, which is exacerbated by O’Brien’s absence, the club is in a situation where retaining Hackney becomes even more crucial. Despite not wanting to lose him given his significance and promise as a long-term asset, the absence of O’Brien underscores the importance of keeping the 21-year-old.
If Middlesbrough can secure Hackney’s continued presence, they can be more assured of having the necessary numbers and quality in the midfield to remain competitive throughout the rest of the campaign.
Given the current circumstances, Middlesbrough’s determination to resist any potential bids for Hackney should be heightened, even more so than under normal circumstances. By retaining Hackney, they not only keep a key player but also maintain the necessary depth in that position for the duration of O’Brien’s absence.
The fact that the ‘Boro academy graduate is under contract at The Riverside Stadium until the summer of 2027 strengthens Middlesbrough’s position, providing them with the stability and assurance needed to navigate the challenges they face in the midfield.
Considering the circumstances, it appears that securing Hackney’s signing from Middlesbrough in January was already a challenging prospect for Nottingham Forest. The injury situation involving their own loanee, O’Brien, further complicates this transfer pursuit, making it even more difficult for Forest to successfully navigate the complexities involved in acquiring Hackney at this time.
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