Credit: Imago

James Barker

Fri 8 May 2026 18:40, UK

Crystal Palace have reportedly made Leeds United-linked Hayden Hackney their number one target this summer.

With Leeds’ status as a Premier League outfit for 2026-27 now all but secured, focus may be starting to shift towards the summer transfer window and next season.

The Whites have the nucleus of a strong side moving forward, and one that with some more quality additions and upgrades, could have their sights set on the top half of the top flight next term.

Daniel Farke is sure to be backed in the window, with the very fact Leeds reached the FA Cup semi-final in their first season back at this level showing just how much potential there is for success at Elland Road in the coming years.

So, Leeds have a vital summer transfer window ahead, but if they wish to pluck Hackney from Middlesbrough, they will surely need to fend off significant competition.

What’s the latest on Crystal Palace’s interest in Hayden Hackney?

Leeds supporters won’t need any introduction to Hackney, as he’s emerged as one of the top players outside of the Premier League in English football.

Indeed, Hackney won Championship Player of the Season for the 2025-26 term at the recent EFL awards, with Middlesbrough’s midfield maestro bagging five goals and seven assists from 38 league outings.

Premier League interest has long been there for Hackney, having been on many sides’ radars ever since he broke through into the Boro first-team during the 2022-23 campaign.

So, there’s sure to be stern competition for his signature this summer, and as per a fresh report from The Telegraph, Crystal Palace have made him their “priority summer target”.

It’s claimed that Palace will be closely monitoring the Championship play-offs, of which Middlesbrough are contesting a two-legged semi-final with Southampton, as a potential Boro promotion would go a long way to determining his price.

The report goes on to claim that interested parties are expected to launch bids starting at around £12million for Hackney, with the 23-year-old contracted on Teesside until the summer of 2027.

Middlesbrough aren’t selling Hackney for £12m

Indeed, he may be entering his final year under contract at the Riverside Stadium, but Crystal Palace and Leeds can think again if they believe they could snag Hackney for £12m.

He’s just been named the best player in the Championship, and only last summer, Boro had agreed to what would’ve been a second-tier record deal worth around £20m from Ipswich Town, only for the player to snub a move to Portman Road.

His transfer value has not dropped one bit since then despite another year coming off his contract, and if anything, it may have been inflated further after his superb 2025-26 season.

Only if he was to enter the final six months of his deal would his price tag and value plummet, but make no mistake, Boro will be holding out for a premium price this summer, especially if they are promoted.

Leeds especially can dream on if they think he’s attainable at £12m, as he is a Middlesbrough lad through and through, and Boro chiefs will also be well aware of fan reaction if he was to be sold to Elland Road.

The bidding may well start at £12m, but the auctioneer’s gavel isn’t going to be hit at that price.