Crystal Palace to submit bid for Boro star Hackney in first Sage signing

Crystal Palace are now set to submit a bid for an “excellent” player, who could be Pierre Sage’s first signing.

Sage in line to become new Palace manager

Oliver Glasner will undoubtedly be a difficult act to follow, with the Austrian lifting three trophies during his time at Selhurst Park, but Palace are now closing in on the appointment of a manager who enjoyed a very successful 2025-26 campaign.

Sage, who led Lens to a French cup triumph for the first time in their history last season, while also securing Champions League football with a second-place finish in Ligue 1, is now keen on a move to South London.

One of the most pressing tasks for the next Eagles manager in the transfer market may be strengthening the midfield, with Daichi Kamada currently set to leave this summer at the end of his contract, whereas Liverpool are lining up a move for Adam Wharton.

With that in mind, Matt Hobbs & co have now set out to sign a new central midfielder.

Crystal Palace poised to make bid for “excellent” star

According to a report from The Daily Mail, Crystal Palace are now set to submit a bid of £20m for Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney, as they look to trump Premier League rivals Everton in the race for his signature.

However, it remains to be seen whether an offer in that region will be enough to tempt Boro into a sale, given that they value their talisman at £25m, despite the fact he has just one year remaining on his contract.

Hackney is currently prioritising a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but he could be swayed by the fact Europa League football will be on offer at Selhurst Park next season.

Moreover, the 23-year-old could be in line to receive plenty of game time at Palace, given that both Kamada and Wharton could leave before the transfer window closes.

Former Middlesbrough manager Rob Edwards praised the central midfielder after a 3-0 victory against Millwall last August, saying: “I thought Hayden was excellent. Loads of energy, loads of quality, desire, passion and he won a lot of duels.

“His running was really good – that’s the best he’s looked since he’s come back from the success that he had with the national team.”

The Englishman remained a key player for Boro after Edwards left to join Wolverhampton Wanderers, making 38 Championship appearances, and he even scooped up the second tier’s Player of the Season award.

Hackney is evidently ready to test himself at a higher level, and he could be an ideal first signing for Sage.

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