Middlesbrough’s midfield maestro Hayden Hackney wants out, and guess who’s reportedly circling? Manchester United, facing a hefty price tag for their primary target, might find a surprising solution closer to home. Could this be the transfer saga of the summer that actually gets done before the deadline?

Disappointment brews on Teesside as news emerges of Hayden Hackney’s desire to depart Middlesbrough should a Premier League club register interest, with one of the sport’s giants, Manchester United, potentially among the suitors on alert. This development casts a shadow over Middlesbrough’s otherwise stellar start to their 2025-26 Championship campaign, where they boast a perfect record of three wins from three.

Despite Middlesbrough’s impressive run in the Championship, Hackney’s transfer request presents a significant challenge. The club had recently indicated their firm stance against selling their highly-rated midfielder, making this news a considerable blow to supporters who had hoped to retain his services for the season.

For Hayden Hackney himself, however, this situation could open a plethora of opportunities. With multiple clubs reportedly interested, the prospect of a move to the Premier League, especially to a club of Manchester United’s stature, represents a significant career advancement.

Meanwhile, Manchester United’s own 2025-26 season has begun in a far from ideal fashion. A meager single point from their opening two League games, a dearth of goals from open play, and mounting criticism of head coach Ruben Amorim highlight a team in need of solutions. A major point of contention during the summer transfer window has been the club’s perceived overemphasis on attacking reinforcements at the expense of addressing critical deficiencies in their midfield.

United’s preferred midfield target, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, has proven to be an unattainable option. Brighton’s reluctance to sell, coupled with an astronomical price tag exceeding £100 million, places Baleba firmly outside United’s current financial capabilities. This is particularly challenging given the club’s anticipated drop in revenues following their failure to qualify for European football and a disappointing 15th-placed finish in the Premier League last season.

In light of the Baleba predicament, Hayden Hackney emerges as a compelling and potentially more affordable alternative. Earlier in the summer, Middlesbrough was reportedly considering offers in the region of £20 million for the player. An offer from Ipswich Town was notably rebuffed, primarily because Hackney himself was not keen on a move to Portman Road, underscoring his ambition for a top-tier opportunity.

The urgency for Manchester United to bolster their midfield is further compounded by other potential departures. Speculation suggests United have spent the summer seeking replacements for talismanic captain Bruno Fernandes, who has attracted bids from Saudi Arabia. Additionally, Kobbie Mainoo is reportedly considered surplus to requirements and could be on his way out before Monday’s transfer deadline, making Hackney’s potential acquisition even more critical for the Old Trafford club.