Hackney ‘sets up Sunderland deal’ with latest actions as Middlesbrough exit beckons
Sunderland have well and truly got their summer spending rolling after a series of eye-catching deals.
Enzo Le Fee became the Black Cats’ first signing of the summer, turning his loan switch into a permanent deal.
Then, Sunderland trumped fellow Premier League newcomers Leeds United with the imminent club-record signing of Habib Diarra.
Now, the Wearsiders could make another statement by securing one of the Championship’s best players – Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney.
Hackney changes agents amid Sunderland interest
Sunderland achieved Championship promotion in dramatic fashion, and now they are going about their transfer business in a similar vein.
Leeds were long linked with the highly rated Diarra, but the North East club pounced on the midfielder from right under their noses.
Now, Sunderland are set to beat Leeds to Reinildo, who will join the Stadium of Light from Atletico Madrid.
Another player who has garnered substantial interest over the last couple of windows is Boro midfielder Hackney.
Indeed, he is primed to leave the Riverside Stadium this summer after changing agents, according to EFL Analysis (1 July).
| Hayden Hackney’s 2024/25 Championship statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 43 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Touches | 88.2 |
| Big chances created | 9 |
| Accurate passes | 60.7 (85%) |
They state that Sunderland are one of several clubs keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, as well as Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest.
Man United have long been linked with the central-midfielder, while Tottenham have also watched him.
The report goes on to claim that FC Porto had a £15million bid rejected for Hackney in January, but remain keen.
Where would Hackney fit in at the Stadium of Light?
Hackney would be welcomed by most at the Stadium of Light, but he would face competition for a starting berth under Le Bris.
Sunderland already have their captain, Dan Neil, who plays in central-midfield, and he would almost certainly start.
Of course, he is yet to agree on a new deal, meaning he could yet leave the North East this summer.
Diarra is another player who plays centrally, and given that the Black Cats have forked out £30million on him, he will surely start.
That means that Hackney would have to earn his place in Le Bris’ side, but he would still be a worthy addition.
Sign up for the Mackem News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest,
breaking Sunderland AFC news sent straight to your phone.