How injuries have derailed Aaron Hickey's promising career

Aaron Hickey’s career path has been quite the contrast compared to those from his native Scotland.

Having played his academy football with Heart of Midlothian and Celtic, the Glasgow born defender would make his professional debut for Hearts at the age of 16 years-old to end the 2018-19 campaign.

1️⃣✔️ Congratulations to 16-year-old Aaron Hickey who made his first start for the club yesterday! pic.twitter.com/7bO3BjjEYd
— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) May 20, 2019

The teenager would make history just weeks later as he was selected to start in the 2019 Scottish Cup final against Celtic, becoming the youngest player to appear in the final since 2008.

The following season would see Hickey’s impact continue to grow. The youngster would make 30 appearances for Hearts, scoring once - a winner in the Edinburgh derby against Hibernian.

A move to Italy

Such an impressive and emphatic rise was bound to attract attention. With Bayern Munich, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Lyon among those interested in signing the Scotland youth international.

However it was Bologna who secured the young defender’s signature, agreeing a £1.5 million fee with Hearts.

Hickey sighted Bologna’s plans to integrate him with the first-team squad as a key reason for his decision.

Aaron's debut. Aaron's first goal. pic.twitter.com/cSp1FLQMPW
— Bologna FC 1909 (@BolognaFC1909en) September 21, 2021

Despite being limited to just 12 appearances due to shoulder surgery, Hickey's first season in Italy was a successful one.

The fullback was nominated for the 2021 Golden Boy award and registered the fourth-highest total minutes by any player under-21 in Europe’s top five leagues.

Hickey would take his game to another level once returning from injury. Registering 36 appearances and five goals, he would become the first Scottish player to score five Serie A goals since Graeme Souness in 1984-85.

Hickey would receive a call-up to the Scotland senior team off the back of his performances in Italy. He would make his debut against Poland in March 2022, just three years after making his professional debut.

The Premier League awaits

After just two seasons in Italy, Hickey completed a move to Premier League side Brentford for £14m.

Having taken part in the majority of Brentford’s preseason, Hickey would pick up an ankle injury ruling him out for two months.

Official, confirmed. Aaron Hickey joins Brentford on permanent deal from Bologna, €22m total fee add ons included. ⚪️🔴🤝 #BrentfordFC

Hickey has signed his long-term deal yesterday, medical completed too. pic.twitter.com/Evs1atTmx2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 9, 2022

Hickey would find himself back in the Brentford squad upon his return from injury, garnering interest from the likes of Manchester City.

With rumours swirling, Brentford manager Thomas Frank would publicly denounce any chance of letting the defender leave.

“"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."

A spell on the sidelines

With 37 appearances under his belt, Hickey’s Brentford career would take a major hit as he sustained a hamstring injury against Chelsea in October 2023.

The injury has seen Hickey undergo two surgeries and remain on the sidelines for a total of 602 days.

“It’s been hard. I had my first surgery, which didn’t go well, so that was a major disappointment for me. I had another surgery, worked my way back, I was back running, and then I felt something again” said Hickey.

“I feel like I’ve been very unlucky, to be honest. But now I’m feeling good and I’m fully focused on being back and training with the team.”

Recovery

After a 16-month absence, Hickey returned to training with the aim of returning to first-team action before the end of the campaign.

A positive step in Hickey’s recovery was his appearance for the Brentford U21’s against Birmingham City U21. The Scottish fullback took part in the first 45 minutes of action, scoring in the Bees’ 2-0 victory.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🫡

Aaron Hickey is set to return to action this afternoon with the B Team 👊 pic.twitter.com/CFDanrJffJ
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) February 28, 2025

A new contract with Brentford would be signed in the midst of his recovery, extending his stay with the West London club until 2028. “I’m happy that we’ve signed a new contract with Aaron,” said head coach Thomas Frank.

“He has struggled with injuries over the last year, but there is light at the end of the tunnel now.

“We know that, before he was injured, he was a very good full-back with a high ceiling and with high potential.”

Aaron Hickey - Scotland MOTM

One of the HUGE positives from last night was the performance of the wingback.

Didn't give the combination of Sociedad/Barcelona left side a sniff down the right then off the back off Robertson injury just switches sides(something Tierney/Robertson… pic.twitter.com/JnxwFpgVdw
— ScotsAbroadPod (@ScotsAbroadPod) October 13, 2023

With many highs and lows in his career so far, Hickey will be looking to repay the faith placed in him by Brentford and get his promising career back on track.

After months of recovery, setbacks and struggle, Aaron Hickey is closer than ever to making a long awaited return.