HAYDEN HACKNEY has signed a new long-term contract with Middlesbrough that commits him to the club until the summer of 2027.

Hackney’s improved new deal is a reward for his performances during last season’s breakthrough campaign, which saw him establish himself as a key member of Michael Carrick’s first team.

The 20-year-old, who first joined Boro’s academy set-up at the age of ten, went into last term as a fringe member of the senior squad, having spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan in League Two with Scunthorpe United.

He did not feature under Chris Wilder at the start of the season, but got his chance to step into the senior set-up during Leo Percovich’s reign as caretaker boss.

He scored his first professional goal in the 4-1 win over Wigan that marked the high point of Percovich’s temporary spell in charge and flourished under Carrick, eventually finishing the campaign with 40 senior Middlesbrough appearances under his belt.

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His performances saw him shortlisted for the Championship Young Player of the Year award, and led to him being linked with a number of Premier League clubs, who were becoming increasingly interested in his performances.

The Redcar-born midfielder’s new contract resolves any questions over his immediate future, and suggests he will continue to be a key performer at the heart of Boro’s midfield next season.

“It’s fantastic news,” said Carrick. “He’s a pleasure to work with. Hayden has come through the academy here and is a local lad.

“It’s a real bonus when you get someone like him. He’s at the start of his journey and he has a lot of potential. We want to help him and develop him so he can be as good as he possibly can be.”