Aston Villa could sign ‘next Adam Wharton’ on buy to loan
Aston Villa could sign Middlesbrough and England Under-21 midfielder Hayden Hackney on a buy-to-loan deal.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes Hackney is “in a similar vein to Adam Wharton.”
The 22-year-old has played for Middlesbrough since 2022 and has made 77 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals and providing six assists.
The midfielder has worked his way through the ranks via the youth system at the Championship club but now finds himself as a regular in the first team under Michael Carrick.
Hackney hasn’t missed a Championship game yet this season, playing 90 minutes in all but one of Middlesbrough’s matches so far.
Sources have told Football Insider that there is a lot of Premier League interest in Hackney at the moment, with his performances catching the attention of teams in the top flight.
Aston Villa could immediately loan Hackney back to Middlesbrough
“He’s shown a lot of talent, especially in the last year,” Robinson told Football Insider about Hackney.
“I mean, he’s playing regularly at Middlesbrough, seven England Under-21 caps, he’s a player.
“You could argue in a similar vein to Adam Wharton, that type of player, playing well in the championship.
“Could he get his opportunity at a higher level and do it at a higher level?
“There’s the argument that the deal would be structured with a loan back or a loan into the Championship.
“But actually at his age, with his experience now, where he’s at in his career, I can see him being incorporated into a Premier League squad.
“Whether that be Aston Villa or whether that be another club, and actually getting given his opportunity.”
In other news, Jack Grealish could agree sensational Aston Villa return – Transfer expert.
For more Aston Villa and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.