If the West Ham United fans were wondering why Sydie Peck and Hayden Hackney are so highly regarded at the London Stadium, Sheffield United’s Championship clash with Middlesbrough in 2025 offers an explanation of sorts.
The Hammers were linked with Middlesbrough talisman Hackney at the end of April.
Their relegation a few weeks later probably removed West Ham United from contention; David Moyes’ Everton now appear to be the frontrunners these days. But this is perhaps where Sydie Peck comes in.
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According to The Athletic, the Sheffield United academy graduate is ‘high on West Ham’s list of targets’. The Londoners reportedly believe Peck boasts ‘huge potential’, having scouted him since the beginning of last year.
As such, they will presumably have had a fairly close eye on Sheffield United’s 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough 16 months ago at Bramall Lane.
A game in which two of the most complete midfielders in the second tier went head-to-head, with Peck coming out on top.
West Ham are huge fans of Sheffield United’s Sydie Peck
Hackney came close to breaking the deadline that day as he burst forward and fizzed a shot at goal. Michael Cooper reacted smartly to keep out the England Under-21 international.
Later in proceedings, though, Sheffield United forward Ben Brereton-Diaz would not be denied as he put the Blades ahead.
Peck received the ball under pressure inside his own half and, with a clever dummy, waltzed past his marker. He then bisected the Middlesbrough backline with a sublime through ball to set Brereton-Diaz away.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has spoken glowingly about Peck’s ‘bite and legs’ in the centre of the park. But if Hackney has made his reputation as the most progressive, technically-gifted midfielder in the second-tier, Peck’s in-possession qualities have often flown under the radar in comparison.
“His performances have been outstanding,” Wilder said when Peck was called up to the England juniors in 2025. “He was patient and his attitude has always been first class. Generally, his performances have been absolutely spot on.”
“Peck’s measured-through pass for Brereton Diaz’s goal underlined his excellent technical ability and vision,” Adam Collier wrote for BBC Sport after that 3-1 victory over Hackney’s Middlesbrough in the Steel City.
“His all-round play exudes balance, awareness and stamina. He appeared constantly involved and engaged in the game. A colossal presence.”
Peck could help the Hammers move on from Mateus Fernandes
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Mateus Fernandes has been labelled the ‘ultimate midfielder’ due to his extremely broad, almost complete skillset.
If Peck is viewed as a potential replacement for the exit-linked Manchester United target, his ability to combine that ugly, off-the-ball ferocity with forward-thinking, high-tempo passing makes the England Under-21 international an intriguing candidate.
While scoring five goals and setting up four more last season, Peck also ranked third at Bramall Lane for tackles per game and passes per game. And while his pass completion rate is not entirely impressive – just 79 per cent – that does highlight Peck’s willingness to try and create rather than keep things overly-simple.
Reports indicate that Sheffield United will look for around £20 million.
“I think it’s the same as it always will be if we have to sell a player or two, then we will do as long as we don’t give them away,” Wilder told the Yorkshire Post last month. “We have to raise money.
“I’m OK with that. But we can’t develop these players and just let them go for nothing.”
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