(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 3 May 2026 9:50, UK

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Hayden Hackney is edging closer to a move away from Middlesbrough in the summer amid interest from Brighton, sources have told Football Insider.

The 23-year-old has impressed a number of suitors with his performances this season, and the Seagulls are the latest to join the race.

Fabian Hurzeler is keen to bolster his squad this summer, while there is a growing feeling the midfielder could become available ahead of the window opening.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, failure to win promotion will make Hackney’s exit from the Riverside Stadium inevitable.

Middlesbrough ended their Championship campaign with a 2-2 draw against Wrexham, meaning they missed out on automatic promotion and will enter the playoffs.

Could Hayden Hackney leave Middlesbrough this summer?

Football Insider revealed last month that Middlesbrough are determined to keep Hackney, but feel they will only be able to do so if they achieve promotion.

Having finished fifth in the Championship table, Kim Hellberg’s side will face in-form Southampton in the playoffs, with progress crucial to keeping their best players.

Meanwhile, there have been suggestions that even if Boro are promoted, they could be forced to sell Hackney, given the level of interest in his signature.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Brighton are very clever in what they do in the transfer window, and Hayden Hackney will be a player that could be a smart pick up.

“Brighton could offer someone like Hackney a great platform if he was to leave Middlesbrough.

“A lot will depend on whether they secure Premier League promotion or not.

“If they don’t you would almost feel it’s inevitable that they will lose Hackney to somebody in the Premier League and Brighton are right there in the mix to try and sign him.”

Who else could rival Brighton to sign Hackney?

As previously explained, Brighton are far from the only club interested in signing Hackney, with half the clubs in the Premier League keeping tabs on his situation.

He has previously been linked with the likes of Everton, West Ham, Crystal Palace and even Man United, all of whom could offer him the chance to step up.

Football Insider revealed on 1 May that Brighton aim to beat their rivals to Hackney and could steal a march on them with an early move in the summer.

However, it will prove difficult for any club trying to lure him in, with the chance to play European football as well as the Premier League set to be on offer.

In a tightly-packed league table, much could change between now and the end of the season, and Hackney’s next destination has not yet become clear.