Everton secure midfielder Hackney from Middlesbrough
Everton have completed the signing of midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough. The deal for the 24-year-old could reportedly reach £25m, with an initial payment of £16.5m. Hackney has signed a five-year contract with the Merseyside club.
Hackney, who was named the Championship player of the season for 2025-26, was a key figure for Middlesbrough, helping them reach the play-off final in May. Despite their efforts, Middlesbrough lost that final 1-0 to Hull City, missing out on promotion to the Premier League.
The midfielder expressed his delight at joining Everton, stating that as soon as he spoke to manager David Moyes and learned of Everton’s interest, his decision was clear. He highlighted the club’s status, the new stadium, and its future direction as key factors in his choice. Hackney also noted Moyes’s history of successfully integrating players from the Championship into the Premier League.
Hackney’s Journey to Everton
Hayden Hackney joined Middlesbrough at the Under-10 level and remained with the club until this transfer. He made 154 appearances for Boro, scoring 16 goals during his time there. Last season alone, he featured in 39 league matches, contributing five goals and providing seven assists.
Middlesbrough had initially rejected several bids from Everton for Hackney, holding out for their £25m valuation, especially given that the player had only 12 months remaining on his contract. Interest from other clubs, including Crystal Palace, reportedly strengthened Middlesbrough’s negotiating position. However, Hackney was intent on moving to Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton manager David Moyes had reportedly sought to sign Hackney the previous summer before focusing on other areas of the squad. Moyes described Hackney as a promising young player who the club had been tracking for some time. He also mentioned Everton’s track record of identifying successful investments from the Championship, expressing hope that Hackney would continue this trend.
Hackney was also part of the England squad that secured the European Under-21 Championship title in 2025. His move to Everton is expected to provide increased competition in midfield, a goal Moyes had for the upcoming season.
Player and Manager Expectations
Upon signing, Hackney outlined what fans could expect from his play style, promising a blend of attacking and defensive contributions. He mentioned his ability to carry the ball effectively, make late runs into the box, and hopefully score goals. He also acknowledged that he has not yet played in the Premier League but believes he can develop further once accustomed to the top flight.
Moyes reiterated his anticipation of working with Hackney, highlighting his status as an England Under-21 international. The manager’s comments underscored the club’s strategy of investing in young talent from the Championship, a strategy that has yielded positive results for Everton in the past.
Meanwhile, Everton are also reportedly nearing an agreement with Chelsea to sign winger Tyrique George. George spent the latter half of last season on loan with the Toffees. This potential acquisition, alongside Hackney’s arrival, suggests a focus on strengthening the squad with promising young players for the new season.
A statement from Middlesbrough wished Hackney well for his future career as the homegrown midfielder embarks on this new chapter.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”
