Aaron Hickey Explained

Aaron Hickey
Fullname:Aaron Buchanan Hickey[1]
Birth Date:10 June 2002
Birth Place:Glasgow, Scotland
Height:1.85m (06.07feet)[2]
Position:Full-back
Currentclub:Brentford
Clubnumber:2
Youthyears1:2012–2014
Youthclubs1:Heart of Midlothian
Youthyears2:2014–2018
Youthclubs2:Celtic
Youthyears3:2018–2019
Youthclubs3:Heart of Midlothian
Years1:2019–2020
Clubs1:Heart of Midlothian
Caps1:24
Goals1:1
Years2:2020–2022
Clubs2:Bologna
Caps2:47
Goals2:5
Years3:2022–
Clubs3:Brentford
Caps3:35
Goals3:0
Nationalyears1:2019
Nationalteam1:Scotland U17
Nationalcaps1:3
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2022–
Nationalteam2:Scotland
Nationalcaps2:14
Nationalgoals2:0
Club-Update:23:51, 28 October 2023 (UTC)
Nationalteam-Update:14:57, 23 November 2023 (UTC)

Aaron Buchanan Hickey (born 10 June 2002) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a full-back for club Brentford and the Scotland national team.

Hickey played youth football for Heart of Midlothian and Celtic, before returning to Hearts where he made his senior debut in 2019. After two seasons in Italy with Bologna, he signed for English club Brentford in 2022.

Hickey represented Scotland at under-17 youth level, before making his senior international debut in 2022.

Early life

Hickey attended St Ninian's High School in Kirkintilloch.[3]

Club career

Early career

After spending time in the youth system at Heart of Midlothian, Hickey had a spell with the academy teams at Celtic. After four years at Celtic he chose to return to Hearts in 2018, with Celtic receiving 30% of a future transfer fee.[4] [5]

Hearts

On 10 May 2019, Hickey made his debut for the club in a 2–1 loss away to Aberdeen, in the penultimate game of the 2018–19 season.[5] [6] [7] On 25 May 2019, Hickey started in the 2019 Scottish Cup Final against Celtic, becoming the youngest player to appear in the final since John Fleck in 2008.[8]

On 22 September 2019, he scored his first senior goal, the winner in the Edinburgh derby as Hearts won 2–1 away at Hibernian.[9]

In August 2020 he was linked with a transfer away from the club, with interest from German club Bayern Munich,[10] [11] [12] Italian club Bologna,[13] [14] English club Aston Villa,[15] and French club Lyon.[16] Hearts manager Craig Levein also revealed that Celtic had made "five or six" attempts to sign Hickey.[17] Towards the end of the month the BBC reported that Bologna had made the first official bid for Hickey,[18] although Hearts said that the offer was too low.[19]

Bologna

Bologna made an updated offer for Hickey, which was accepted by Hearts on 8 September 2020.[20] On 24 September 2020, Hickey completed a moved to the Serie A side for an undisclosed fee believed to be around £1.5 million.[21] [22] [23] He said he chose Bologna over Bayern due to the Italian club's family feel, and their intention to use him in their first-team.[5] Due to the suspension of regular left-back Mitchell Dijks,[24] Hickey made his first Serie A appearance on 28 September in a 4–1 win against Parma.[25] His first season at Bologna was cut short by shoulder surgery in March 2021, restricting him to 12 appearances, even though he clocked up the fourth-highest minutes total of any under-21 player across the top five European leagues.[26] At the end of the season, he was nominated for the 2021 Golden Boy award.[27]

Hickey returned to Bologna's first team following his injury, starting the first game of the 2021–22 season against Salernitana, which Bologna won 3–2.[28] On 21 September 2021, Hickey scored his first goal for Bologna, in their 2–2 draw with Genoa in the Serie A.[29] [30] In November 2021 he was described as "flourishing in Serie A with Bologna".[31] On 24 April 2022, Hickey became the first Scot to score 5 goals in a single Serie A season since Graeme Souness in 1984–85 for Sampdoria.[32]

Brentford

Bologna accepted an offer for Hickey from Premier League club Brentford in July 2022.[33] On 9 July 2022, Brentford announced that they had signed Hickey on a four-year contract, subject to international clearance.[34] [35] Hickey regularly played on the right side of defence for Brentford during the 2022–23 season, although he missed a few months due to suffering an ankle ligament injury in October. In 2023, when Manchester City were linked with a transfer, Thomas Frank said, "We will not sell him. He's not even been here a year, with all due respect. I think he's a very good young player that I think has a fantastic future ahead of him. There needs to be a little bit more to get into the City team in terms of performances. I think he's done well and I really like him. I think he can get up there."[36]

International career

Hickey has represented Scotland U17, making his debut for the side in a 0–0 draw against France U17 on 5 February 2019.[37]

He was selected in the Scotland U21 squad for the first time in November 2020,[38] but withdrew due to injury.[39] He was recalled in September 2021,[40] but pulled out from that squad due to another injury.[41] He then also withdrew from the following squad, saying he wanted to rest.[42]

In March 2022, after being left out of the under-21 squad,[43] Hickey was included in the senior Scotland squad for the first time.[44] He made his senior international debut on 24 March in a 1–1 draw with Poland.[45]

Due to a hamstring injury suffered in October 2023, Hickey was said to be likely to miss Euro 2024.[46] [47] [48]

Style of play

Hickey primarily played for Hearts as a left-back, although he can also play as a central midfielder,[5] and also right-back and centre-back, and his "versatility is yet another key attribute".[31] Hickey has been compared to fellow Scottish left-back Andy Robertson, although Hickey has played down the links.[49] He mainly played for Bologna as an attacking left wing-back, and scored five goals during the 2021–22 Serie A season.[50] Brentford have used him as either a right-back or right wing-back,[51] Most of his appearances for Scotland have also been as a right-back or right wing-back.

Former Hearts manager Craig Levein described Hickey by saying that "he's got really good defensive qualities but I don't know if he'll end up being a full-back, he might end up going back into midfield [...] he could be a fantastic holding midfielder with his great awareness of danger and his ability to get out of tight situations with the ball at his feet".[5] Levein has also said that Hickey is shy, quiet, and reserved.[5] Hearts captain Steven Naismith praised Hickey's intelligence, while Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson praised his maturity, saying that "he's like a 24- or 25-year-old in an 18-year-old's body [...] he's very mature for his age, he's composed, has good physique, ticks all the boxes".[5]

Personal life

On 13 December 2020, he tested positive for COVID-19.[52]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Heart of Midlothian2018–19Scottish Premiership20100030
2019–20Scottish Premiership2212060301
Total241306000331
Bologna2020–21Serie A11010120
2021–22Serie A36500365
Total475100000485
Brentford2022–23Premier League2600000260
2023–24Premier League900020110
2024–25Premier League00000000
Total350002000370
Career total10664080001186

International

[53]

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Scotland202270
202370
Total140

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2022/23 Premier League squad lists . Premier League . 16 September 2022 . 18 September 2022.
  2. Web site: Aaron Hickey . Brentford F.C. . 15 February 2023.
  3. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aaron-hickey-reveals-lessons-karamoko-16202268 Aaron Hickey details his Karamoko Dembele lessons as Hearts kid upstages school pal
  4. Web site: Manchester City plot Aaron Hickey swoop. Evening Times.
  5. Web site: The Scot who turned down Bayern. www.bbc.co.uk.
  6. Web site: Aaron Hickey. Heart of Midlothian F.C.. 25 May 2019. 21 September 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200921055138/https://www.heartsfc.co.uk/squads/first-team/playing-squad/aaron-hickey. dead.
  7. News: Ghosh . Ratul . 9 April 2022 . Aaron Hickey: The most experienced teenager in Europe will join Brentford in a £14m transfer . Foot The Ball .
  8. Web site: Hearts team news: 16-year-old Aaron Hickey starts but Uche Ikpeazu on bench. Edinburgh Evening News. 25 May 2019. 25 May 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190525141751/https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hearts/latest-hearts-news/hearts-team-news-16-year-old-aaron-hickey-starts-but-uche-ikpeazu-on-bench-1-4934613. 25 May 2019. dead.
  9. Web site: Hibs 1–2 Hearts: Aaron Hickey nets late Edinburgh derby winner. 22 September 2019. www.bbc.co.uk.
  10. Web site: Aaron Hickey: Hearts defender very impressed by Bayern Munich visit. 10 August 2020. www.bbc.co.uk.
  11. Web site: Hearts' Aaron Hickey cannot turn down chance to become the next Alphonso Davies. www.scotsman.com.
  12. Web site: Bayern Munich closing in on deals for Celtic youngster and Aaron Hickey. HeraldScotland.
  13. Web site: Aaron Hickey: Bologna latest in long line of clubs to be linked with Hearts starlet. www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com.
  14. Web site: Bologna expecting Aaron Hickey decision today as Italian side await answer. Robert. Fairnie. 17 August 2020. edinburghlive.
  15. Web site: Aaron Hickey: Bayern Munich, Bologna & Aston Villa chasing Hearts teenager. 2 August 2020. www.bbc.co.uk.
  16. Web site: Aaron Hickey transfer latest as Lyon join race for Hearts youngster9i. Scott. McDermott. 15 August 2020. Daily Record.
  17. Web site: Celtic tried to sign Hickey – Levein. www.bbc.co.uk.
  18. Web site: Aaron Hickey: Bologna steal march on Bayern Munich after making Hearts offer. 27 August 2020. www.bbc.co.uk.
  19. Web site: Bologna's Aaron Hickey bid 'nowhere near' Hearts' valuation. 28 August 2020. www.bbc.co.uk.
  20. Web site: Hearts accept Bologna's Hickey bid. www.bbc.co.uk.
  21. Web site: Aaron Hickey: Bologna sign teenager from Hearts . BBC Sport . BBC . 24 September 2020 . 24 September 2020.
  22. Web site: Hickey to Bologna. 24 September 2020. BolognaFC.
  23. Web site: Facing Zlatan would be crazy – Hickey. www.bbc.co.uk.
  24. News: Ex-Hearts star Aaron Hickey in line for Bologna debut tonight against Parma - and how fans can watch him in action . Joel . Sked . Edinburgh Evening News . 28 September 2020 . 29 September 2020.
  25. Web site: Aaron Hickey: Sinisa Mihajlovic says Scot has 'great future' after Bologna debut . BBC Sport . 29 September 2020 . 29 September 2020.
  26. News: Harris . Jay . 9 July 2022 . Aaron Hickey to Brentford: What will Thomas Frank's side be getting for their money? . The Athletic .
  27. News: McDougall . Mark . Hickey earns Golden Boy nomination as ex-Hearts star listed on incredible list . 18 June 2021 . Edinburgh Live . 15 June 2021.
  28. Web site: Aaron Hickey makes winning Bologna return as ex Hearts man starts in chaotic Serie A opener. edinburghlive.co.uk. Robbie. Copeland. 23 August 2021. 13 September 2021.
  29. Web site: Aaron Hickey scores first Bologna goal as Scotland rising star earns his moment of redemption after Inter nightmare. dailyrecord.co.uk. Charlotte. Cohen. 21 September 2021. 21 September 2021.
  30. Web site: Hickey proud to match Scottish legends. www.bbc.co.uk.
  31. Web site: Aaron Hickey: 'You go to bed thinking about playing at San Siro – that's a wow moment'. 27 November 2021. the Guardian.
  32. Web site: Who is Aaron Hickey? The €24m Bologna starlet set to join Arsenal. Football Transfers. 16 May 2022. 3 June 2022.
  33. Web site: Aaron Hickey: Brentford agree transfer fee for Bologna and Scotland left-back . BBC Sport . Kheredine . Idessane . 2 July 2022 . 3 July 2022.
  34. Web site: Aaron Hickey: Brentford sign Scottish defender from Bologna . BBC Sport . 9 July 2022 . 9 July 2022.
  35. Web site: Aaron Hickey signs for Brentford . 9 July 2022 . www.brentfordfc.com . en-gb.
  36. News: Richardson . John . 23 September 2023 . Man Utd, Liverpool and Arsenal in three-way battle for Brentford star Aaron Hickey . The Mirror .
  37. Web site: Aaron Hickey. Scottish FA. 25 May 2019.
  38. Web site: Aaron Hickey: Bologna left-back given first Scotland Under-21 call-up . Clive . Lindsay . BBC Sport . BBC . 28 October 2020 . 28 October 2020.
  39. Web site: Aaron Hickey: Bologna defender one of four to pull out of Scotland U21s squad . Andy . Campbell . www.bbc.co.uk . BBC Sport . 10 November 2020 . 10 November 2021.
  40. News: Hickey back in Scotland U21 squad. BBC Sport .
  41. Web site: Aaron Hickey's Scotland commitment defended as ex-Hearts star's two year absence continues . Ryan . McDonald . www.footballscotland.co.uk . 6 October 2021 . 10 November 2021.
  42. Web site: Hickey withdraws from Scotland Under-21 squad needing rest . Andy . Coyle . STV Sport . 9 November 2021 . 9 November 2021.
  43. Web site: Aaron Hickey: Bologna full-back left out Scotland Under-21 squad after discussion with Gemmill . Nick . McPheat . 9 March 2022 . 26 March 2022 . BBC Sport.
  44. Web site: Aaron Hickey called up to Scotland squad for Poland friendly . BBC Sport . 15 March 2022 . 15 March 2022.
  45. Web site: BBC Sport . 24 March 2022 . 26 March 2022 . Scotland 1–1 Poland . Scott . Mullen.
  46. Web site: Scotland: Frank stays Hickey still progressing ahead of Euros. 25 April 2024. BBC Sport.
  47. Web site: Scotland: Hickey chances 'not fantastic' as Tierney suffers blow. 25 April 2024. BBC Sport.
  48. Web site: Scotland defender Aaron Hickey's Euro 2024 chances 'not positive'. 9 May 2024. BBC Sport.
  49. News: Robertson comparison 'unrealistic' - Hickey. BBC Sport .
  50. Web site: Aaron Hickey exclusive: Bologna left-back open to new challenge amid Premier League and Serie A interest . Sky Sports . 23 May 2022 . 2 April 2023.
  51. Web site: Mads Roerslev or Aaron Hickey? Brentford's right-backs offer contrasting qualities . The Athletic . 22 February 2023 . 2 April 2023 . Jay . Harris.
  52. Web site: Official statement. 13 December 2020. BolognaFC.
  53. Web site: Aaron Hickey. EU-Football.info. 29 March 2022.