Chances of Nottingham Forest signing Hayden Hackney could be scuppered by the 25-year-old talent…

The prospect of Nottingham Forest securing the services of Hayden Hackney in the upcoming January transfer window faces potential complications, primarily due to the injury setback of 25-year-old midfielder Lewis O’Brien, who is currently on loan at Middlesbrough from Nottingham Forest.

Hayden Hackney, a 21-year-old midfielder emerging from Middlesbrough’s academy, has become a pivotal figure at The Riverside Stadium, amassing over 50 appearances for ‘Boro since the start of the previous season. His consistent performances have not only solidified his place in the starting lineup under manager Michael Carrick but have also earned him recognition at the international level with England’s Under-21s.

As the January transfer window looms, several Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester City, and Manchester United, are reportedly monitoring Hackney’s progress at Middlesbrough. Nottingham Forest, too, is said to be considering a move to secure the talented midfielder, representing a significant coup for the club given the attention he is garnering.

However, the potential acquisition of Hackney by Nottingham Forest may face hurdles due to the unique circumstances involving Lewis O’Brien. In the summer, Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough engaged in a transfer deal that saw O’Brien move to ‘Boro on a season-long loan. Unfortunately, O’Brien suffered a serious ankle or lower leg injury during a match against Watford in September, rendering him unavailable for several months.

With O’Brien’s absence leaving a void in Middlesbrough’s midfield options, retaining the services of Hackney becomes even more crucial for the club. While Hackney’s significance as a long-term asset is acknowledged, the absence of O’Brien accentuates the necessity of maintaining midfield depth to remain competitive throughout the season.

Middlesbrough, currently facing limitations in the midfield due to O’Brien’s injury, would likely be hesitant to part ways with Hackney, as doing so might leave them short on options in a critical position. The injury timeline for O’Brien’s return remains uncertain, and there are concerns about the time he might need to regain full match fitness.

To bolster their resolve in retaining Hackney, Middlesbrough must ensure they have adequate cover in midfield for the duration of O’Brien’s absence. Rejecting potential bids for Hackney becomes imperative for Middlesbrough, not only to preserve a key asset but also to maintain sufficient depth and quality in the center of the park.

While the pursuit of signing Hackney by Nottingham Forest in January was expected to be challenging, the complicating factor of O’Brien’s injury situation makes the transfer pursuit even more formidable. Middlesbrough’s commitment to retaining Hackney becomes paramount, considering the circumstances, and with Hackney contracted at The Riverside Stadium until 2027, Middlesbrough is in a strong position to resist any potential bids.