Credit: Sky Sports

Max Wilkins

Mon 9 March 2026 9:40, UK

Leeds United must take encouragement after Neil Warnock spoke in glowing terms about transfer target Hayden Hackney.

The 23-year-old was mentioned as a midfield option for the Whites in the January window, with a summer move also mooted.

It always looked difficult to get him out of Middlesbrough this campaign due to their high-flying status in the Championship automatic promotion race.

He plays for his boyhood club and will have his sights set on a place in the Premier League with Boro next season under Kim Hellberg.

Leeds could still take a look at Hackney and make their interest known, especially after what Warnock said about the Englishman.

Neil Warnock in wholesome exchange with Hayden Hackney

There’s no hiding from the fact that the Boro star is one of the best players in the second tier right now, so he’s always going to have suitors elsewhere.

Various outfits have been linked with his signature, but Leeds could offer regular minutes in the Premier League that others maybe couldn’t, should they stay up.

It feels inevitable that Hackney will be featuring in the top division next season, whether that be with the Riverside outfit or not.

That is the feeling of former Middlesbrough boss Warnock, who spoke to Hackney live on Sky Sports after he netted in a 4-0 win away to QPR on Sunday.

He said: “At Brentford, a cup game away, everyone thought I was daft for playing him, but I’m really pleased with how you’re going on. I’m sure you’re going to enjoy playing in the Premier League.”

It’s clear what the experienced manager thinks of the midfielder, so surely Leeds must make good on their interest in Hackney moving forward.

How can Leeds United sign Hackney from Middlesbrough?

There is one major factor that will impact whether Leeds can get their man this summer.

It will all depend on Middlesbrough’s league status and whether they can make good on their four-point cushion inside the automatic promotion spots.

Hellberg’s side have shown some fragility this season, so with Millwall hot on their tail, there is no guarantee of anything right now.

Leeds must be prepared to strike on Hackney if Boro do miss out on promotion, as it seems clear that the Premier League is the midfielder’s goal.

The Whites would likely have to make a sizable offer, but he could prove to be worth every penny if given the right platform to build from in LS11.