Edwards Backs Hackney Amid Transfer Interest
Rob Edwards reassures Boro fans about Hayden Hackney's commitment as transfer speculation heats up.
Middlesbroughâs head coach, Rob Edwards, has reassured supporters about the future of midfielder Hayden Hackney amid increasing transfer speculation. The 23-year-old demonstrated his talent during a recent friendly against Mansfield Town, playing a full 45 minutes and underscoring why he has attracted interest from various clubs.
Hackney's impressive performances have caught the eye of several teams, including Championship rivals Ipswich Town, as well as clubs from the Premier League and across Europe. With the summer transfer window open until September 1st, speculation surrounding his future is likely to continue. However, Edwards remains confident in Hackney's commitment to the club.
"H, as far as I'm concerned and aware at the moment, he's here and that's why he's playing and out on the pitch," Edwards stated. "He's fully committed. He loves this football club and we love him. He's a really good player; I thought he and Aidan showed that in the first half."
In addition to Hackney, defender Rav van den Berg's future is also under scrutiny, with reports linking him to Brentford, Crystal Palace, and several Bundesliga teams. Van den Berg, like Hackney, has recently returned from the European Under-21 Championships, where he played a key role for England. Edwards noted their eagerness to reintegrate with the squad, despite their limited time off.
"They had a bit of a break at the end of the season and then a week or 10 days at the end of that tournament, but they were both really keen to get back in and get in amongst it," he explained. "Because they haven't had that long off, the catch-up was quite quick as well."
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On the fitness front, Edwards confirmed that both Finn Azaz and George Edmundson missed the friendly against Mansfield due to minor injuries sustained during training. The pair will undergo assessments ahead of the upcoming clash against Bradford City, with hopes that their injuries are not serious as Boro continue their preparations for the new season.
