West Ham close to first summer signing in £18m deal – report

West Ham United are reportedly “close” to a deal for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, according to The Red.

The Teesside-based radio station reported on 2 May suggests that the fee for the 21-year-old could be around £18million.

Hackney’s season has been disrupted by injury but he has impressed sufficiently to attract interest in his services.

Could Hayden Hackney be a long-term star at West Ham United?
Hackney broke into the Middlesbrough first team last season after a loan spell in League Two with Scunthorpe United, establishing himself as a regular starter shortly after his first Championship start against Birmingham City in October 2022.

He made 38 appearances across all competitions that season and began this campaign as a fixture in the side – but injury issues have limited him to 28 outings this term.

If there is one red flag when considering a potential deal for Hackney, it is his injury record this season and how he recovers from it – though it is difficult to judge whether this is simply one injury-hit campaign or the beginning of a recurring issue.
What Hackney offers in possession, though, makes it tempting to hope for the best regarding his fitness.

The 21-year-old has recorded – per 90 in the Championship this season – 9.29 progressive passes, 9.94 passes into the final third and 58.05 carries [FBref].

The young midfielder’s irrepressible positivity with the ball is what makes him such an exciting talent, as do his fearlessness and willingness to shoulder responsibility despite his tender years.
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