Credit: Imago
Mon 25 August 2025 15:10, UK
West Ham are considering making a move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney before the transfer window closes.
Graham Potter is keen to add a midfielder to his options, with Southampton man Mateus Fernandes also under consideration.
West Ham have also made an approach to sign Adrien Rabiot, with the Frenchman expected to leave Marseille before the window shuts.
Potter is under pressure at The London Stadium, after West Ham were battered 5-1 by Chelsea on Friday 22 August.
The loss followed a dismal Premier League opening day defeat at The Stadium of Light, where the Hammers were crushed 3-0 by Sunderland.
Potter is under pressure to deliver success at West Ham (Credit: Imago)Hayden Hackney under consideration at West Ham
Hackney became a key player for Middlesbrough last season, and has quickly risen among the most impressive Championship midfielders.
The England Under-21 national can play in at the base of the midfield or in a slightly more advanced role, and boasts hugely impressive numbers for progressive carries and passes.
He would offer something that the West Ham midfield sorely lacks – energy. The 23-year-old can often be seen picking up the ball and driving forward, completing 2.73 progressive carries per 90 last season, according to FBref.
Hayden HackneyChampionship 2024/25 (per 90)Progressive passes9.92Progressive carries2.73Tackles2.09Shot-creating actions3.80Stats via FBref
And Hackney’s passing follows similar trends, with every contribution made in the aim of getting Middlesbrough up the pitch.
Jacob Steinberg reported on 25 August that West Ham have the Middlesbrough academy product under consideration, with his contract set to expire in 2027.
Hackney would likely present a cheaper option than Fernandes, with Southampton reportedly asking for a fee in excess of £50million.
West Ham won’t let Guido Rodriguez leave until a midfielder comes in. Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney a new name under consideration #whufc
— Jacob Steinberg 🎗️ (@JacobSteinberg) August 25, 2025
View Tweet
West Ham will sign a midfielder before they let Guido Rodriguez leave
Steinberg also reported that West Ham will not let Guido Rodriguez leave before they sign a new midfielder, with the Argentine eager to depart.
Celta Vigo are among the clubs linked with a move for the 31-year-old, who had started the Hammers’ season opener.
Rodriguez joined last summer on a free transfer but was often resigned to minutes off the bench following a strong start.
In many ways, the midfielder represents what Potter would like to remove from his midfield, with the youthful energy of Hackney a clear contrast.
Sign up for the West Ham Zone WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking West Ham United news sent straight to your phone.
Related Posts