Everton appear to be closing in on the signing of Hackney in a deal that could reach up to £25 million. The England Under-21 international has established himself as one of the most accomplished midfielders in the second tier over the past two seasons, and his exit would leave a sizeable gap in Kim Hellberg’s midfield as Boro aim to push for promotion again. With Hackney potentially moving on, Middlesbrough have begun weighing alternatives to fill that void and maintain their attacking and control-heavy approach in midfield.
Initial links had pointed toward Oliver Skipp of Leicester City as a leading candidate, but reports suggested Leicester’s value for the 22-year-old and their relegation status may complicate any deal. The Foxes were reportedly valuing Skipp at around £15 million, a figure that has cooled Middlesbrough’s immediate interest and prompted the club to explore other options.
Among the players now under consideration is Stefan Bajcetic of Liverpool. The 21-year-old midfielder burst onto the scene during Jurgen Klopp’s final full season with the club, displaying composure, smart ball retention, and an ability to dictate the tempo from midfield. However, injuries over the last couple of years have hampered his development. Loan spells at RB Salzburg and Las Palmas did not provide the sustained momentum hoped for, and Bajcetic has spent lengthy periods sidelined due to fitness issues and a hamstring operation.
Despite the recent injury challenges, Bajcetic remains highly regarded within Liverpool’s setup. The club has continued to back him and view pre-season as a critical period to assess his progress and determine his next steps. With a contract running until 2027, Liverpool would likely consider a temporary move to ensure regular first-team football, though a permanent transfer could not be ruled out if the right circumstance arises.
For Middlesbrough, Bajcetic represents a different profile compared with Hackney but carries a high ceiling. His technical quality and tactical intelligence would suit a side aiming to control matches against many Championship opponents. His ability to influence possession and drive the tempo could help Boro maintain pressure during periods without the ball and rebuild attack momentum quickly.
Of course, fitness remains the main concern. If Liverpool are satisfied that Bajcetic’s injury issues are behind him, a loan deal could provide a fortunate boost for Middlesbrough’s midfield options. A season of regular competitive football in the Championship might be exactly what the midfielder needs to rebuild rhythm and confidence after a challenging spell in recent years.
From Bajcetic’s perspective, a move to Middlesbrough could offer immediate playing time and the chance to showcase leadership qualities in a demanding league. It would also serve as a proving ground to re-establish himself as a key contributor and potentially work his way back into Liverpool’s long-term plans.
As the transfer window progresses, Middlesbrough are expected to continue evaluating options to replace Hackney’s influence and versatility. Bajcetic’s name adds a compelling dimension to their shortlist, combining experience of top-level football with a high ceiling for development. Whether a loan or permanent arrangement materializes will depend on talks between the clubs, the player’s fitness clearance, and how both teams envisage the next phase of their campaigns.
In the broader context, Bajcetic’s situation underscores how top clubs balance youth development with the desire to preserve long-term competitiveness. For a club like Middlesbrough, acquiring a technically gifted midfielder with a track record of performing at a high level could be a smart strategic move, provided the fit is right and fitness concerns are adequately addressed.
Ultimately, the coming weeks will be pivotal for Bajcetic as he seeks stability and a clear path to regular football, while Middlesbrough continue to shape a midfield spine capable of competing for promotion. If the deal comes to fruition, it could offer a fresh chapter in a teenager-turned-pro’s career and provide Boro with a midfielder who can help steer games in a challenging division.
