“Tottenham have long admired” 22yr old midfielder who could be sold for £20 million
Tottenham Hotspur have identified Middlesbrough’s rising star Hayden Hackney as a prime summer target, with the Premier League club preparing to test the Championship side’s resolve with a potential £20 million offer.
The 22-year-old midfielder has emerged as one of English football’s most promising talents, catching Spurs’ attention with his mature performances and tactical versatility in the heart of Boro’s midfield.
North London insiders reveal Tottenham’s scouting department have tracked Hackney’s progress for several seasons, impressed by his technical quality, intelligent positioning, and ability to dictate tempo.
Club sources suggest new manager Thomas Frank sees the England U-21 international as an ideal candidate to bolster Spurs’ midfield options – offering both immediate squad depth and long-term development potential.
Industry analyst John Wenham notes Hackney represents precisely the profile of player Tottenham should be targeting: “He’s at that perfect age where he’s gained valuable first-team experience but still has tremendous growth potential.
At £20 million, he could prove one of the smarter investments of this transfer window.” The young midfielder’s ability to operate as both a deep-lying playmaker and box-to-box presence makes him particularly appealing to a Spurs side looking for midfield flexibility.
Middlesbrough face increasing pressure to retain their academy graduate, with several Premier League clubs monitoring the situation.
Hackney’s 34 Championship appearances last season demonstrated his readiness for top-flight football, while his composed performances against Premier League opposition in cup competitions have only strengthened his reputation.
For Tottenham, the potential acquisition aligns with their recent strategy of signing young English talent with high ceilings.
Hackney’s potential arrival would provide competition for places while allowing the club to develop another homegrown star.
The midfielder’s technical foundation and tactical intelligence suggest he could adapt quickly to Spurs’ system, with insiders believing he possesses the character to handle the step up in quality.
The coming weeks will prove crucial as Tottenham weigh up formalizing their interest. While Hackney isn’t seen as an immediate starter, his skill set offers Frank valuable options in midfield – capable of deputizing in multiple roles while continuing his development.
At the reported £20 million valuation, the deal represents relatively low risk for a player whose transfer value could appreciate significantly with Premier League exposure.
For Hackney himself, the opportunity to train under an elite coaching staff and compete alongside international teammates could accelerate his development at a crucial stage in his career.
As Tottenham look to rebuild after a disappointing league campaign, strategic signings like this could prove just as important as any marquee arrivals in shaping the club’s future.