Crystal Palace are ready to back Oliver Glasner with a £27m double move for Hayden Hackney and Rav van den Berg, according to reports.
The Eagles are preparing for their first European campaign and want to bolster their squad with two of the EFL Championship’s brightest stars. Middlesbrough have already rejected a £9m bid for Hackney from Porto, but Palace are now expected to launch a combined offer for the 21-year-old and Dutch centre-back Van den Berg.
Both players impressed scouts across England and Europe last season — and now Selhurst Park could be their next stop.
Hackney Impressing Top Clubs
Hackney, 21, starred in the heart of Middlesbrough’s midfield with five goals, three assists, and nine big chances created in 43 games. He also impressed in England’s U21 Euros-winning squad.
Palace are not alone in their admiration — Spurs and Stuttgart are also tracking the midfielder — but the Eagles hope to act fast. Glasner is said to be a fan of his passing range, positioning, and defensive work rate.
“He’s already got the composure of a top-level Premier League midfielder,” said a Palace scout.
Van den Berg a Guehi Successor?
While Hackney adds bite in midfield, Rav van den Berg is seen as a potential long-term replacement for Marc Guehi, who has been linked with Liverpool.
The Dutch U21 international played 27 games for Boro, helping keep eight clean sheets. His strength in duels and calm distribution caught the eye of Palace's recruitment team at the U21 Euros.
Van den Berg could be available for around £12m, and Palace are expected to firm up their interest soon.
Player Stats: Hackney & Van den Berg 2024–25
| Stat | Hackney | Van den Berg |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 43 | 27 |
| Goals | 5 | 0 |
| Assists | 3 | 0 |
| Big Chances Created | 9 | 1 |
| Interceptions (avg) | 0.7 | 1.0 |
| Tackles Per Game | 2.2 | 1.0 |
| Balls Recovered Per Game | 6.5 | 3.3 |
Analyst Verdict
This is smart, strategic business from Palace. Hackney offers a natural successor to Jefferson Lerma and could grow into a Wharton-style midfield maestro. Meanwhile, Van den Berg looks the closest thing to a like-for-like replacement for Marc Guehi.
If Palace pull this off, it won’t just be a coup for the club — it’s a signal of their evolution under Glasner.
Key Insights
- Crystal Palace want £27m Boro double deal
- Hackney tracked by Spurs, Porto and Stuttgart
- Van den Berg seen as future Guehi replacement
- Both scouted at U21 Euros
- Palace planning for European squad depth
What’s Next?
Palace will await developments on Guehi’s future while monitoring other targets in central defence. A midfield overhaul could follow if Doucoure departs.
Would you spend £27m on two of the Championship’s best talents?
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