Morgan Rogers transfer claim made as Aston Villa ‘target Hayden Hackney deal’
Unai Emery has done an excellent job with Aston Villa, getting the most out of near enough every player to have played under him.
The Villans are in the quarter-finals of both the FA Cup and the Champions League while also having European football to contest for in the Premier League.
Villa will still no doubt be keen to recruit in the summer transfer window to improve Emery’s squad in the hope of pushing on again in 2025-26.
Rogers comparison made in Hackney deal
Although Emery will be keen to add to his squad in the summer, it is about recruiting the right players to fit into the squad.
The boss has shown his ability to transform members of his squad and has even taken Marcus Rashford’s performances up a level since his arrival on loan from Manchester United.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that Middlesbrough’s Hackney is a name on Emery’s radar going into the summer.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 36 | 5 | 2 |
The midfielder has made 36 Championship appearances this term, contributing to his side’s efforts throughout as they compete for a place in the play-offs.
At just 22 years old, Hackney could definitely be one to watch for the future and Lee Hendrie has made a prediction that could see that come true.
Speaking to Football League World (30 March), Hendrie said: “There’s a great opportunity that [Villa] will be in Europe of some form, whether it’s the Champions League, or the Europa League, UEFA Conference League – there’s plenty of competitions that they could still be playing in next season.
“So that is a big thing for Hayden Hackney, and the fact that we’ve seen what he’s [Emery] done with the likes of Morgan Rogers. His coaching, his nouse to bring players on and make them better.
“I think it would be a really good fit for him. That’s why I think that offers an awful lot as a football club.”
Exciting times ahead for Aston Villa
Emery has received plenty of praise for the work he has done with Aston Villa so far this season and rightly so.
As Hendrie points out, there have been certain players who have completely developed under Emery’s management, with Rogers a prime example.
After making the move from Boro to the West Midlands, Rogers has since received a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad and has received plenty of praise for his performances during the international break.
Therefore, there is plenty to be excited about as a young player being coached by Emery will only get better and better over time.
Surely Hackney would look at the path taken by Rogers and aspire to reach the same levels, with success very much achievable.
With Villa having a chance of competing in European football again next term, it also makes the step up to the top flight even more exciting for any prospective signing.
There is still plenty of work to be done in the West Midlands this season that will dictate what Villa are playing for next season, but it doesn’t feel as though they’ll have any trouble attracting players.