Tottenham Face Stiff Competition from Champions League Outfit for £25m-Rated Hayden Hackney

Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of rising English midfield talent Hayden Hackney has become increasingly complicated, with multiple clubs—both domestic and European—entering the race for the Middlesbrough star. The North London club has been closely monitoring Hackney’s development, particularly following his impressive performances at the UEFA Under-21 European Championship, where he played a vital role in England’s victorious campaign.

The 23-year-old’s emergence as one of the most technically gifted midfielders outside the Premier League has drawn widespread attention. With Middlesbrough falling short in their bid to gain promotion to the top flight last season, it was always likely that clubs would swoop in for Hackney. Now, that scenario is quickly unfolding.

According to fresh reports from talkSPORT, Tottenham are not the only club keen on securing the services of the Boro midfielder. Fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace are also in the hunt and have already expressed concrete interest. However, the latest twist in the transfer saga is the involvement of Bundesliga giants and Champions League participants Bayer Leverkusen, who are believed to be preparing a serious push to sign the young Englishman.

The German side’s entry into the race could significantly alter the dynamic, especially considering their recent success in developing young talent and providing consistent top-level exposure. Leverkusen’s potential edge in the pursuit lies in a crucial connection—Hackney is now represented by the SEG agency, the same group that manages new Leverkusen head coach Erik ten Hag. This professional link could make the Bundesliga side a more attractive destination for the midfielder.

Moreover, there is a growing trend of English youngsters choosing to move abroad to progress their careers, particularly to Germany. Former Borussia Dortmund and now Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham is the standout example, and Hackney could be tempted to follow a similar path in search of regular game time and development at the highest level.

From a financial standpoint, Middlesbrough have placed a £25 million price tag on their academy graduate, who still has two years remaining on his current deal at the Riverside Stadium. Despite the valuation, there have been recent suggestions that Crystal Palace believe they could secure Hackney’s signature for as little as £15 million—though such a figure may be unrealistic given the growing interest and his recent international displays.

Tottenham, under new manager Thomas Frank, are eager to bolster their midfield options ahead of the upcoming season, and Hackney fits the club’s long-term strategy of investing in young, high-potential English talent. However, with serious competition from both the Premier League and Europe, Spurs will need to move swiftly and decisively if they hope to fend off rival suitors and bring the talented midfielder to North London.

The coming weeks will be crucial, as Middlesbrough weigh their options and clubs position themselves to meet the Championship side’s demands. Hackney, meanwhile, faces a major career decision: continue his development in England’s top flight or take a leap to Europe with a Champions League outfit promising a clear path to the big stage.