Everton Nearing Midfielder Signing
Everton are reportedly nearing an agreement to sign highly-rated midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough. The 24-year-old was a key player for Middlesbrough during their recent promotion push, which concluded with a defeat to Hull City in the play-off final at Wembley.
Discussions between the clubs have progressed significantly, with a deal anticipated to be finalised soon. Reports suggest that Everton has been in talks with Middlesbrough for some time, having previously had multiple offers rejected for the midfielder.
The potential transfer fee for Hackney is a subject of ongoing discussion. Initial figures suggest a fee of at least £16m, with some reports indicating an initial £16.5m that could rise to £25m with various add-ons. These add-ons are said to include an additional £5m dependent on appearances and a further £3m linked to Champions League qualification and England recognition.
Hackney has one year remaining on his contract with Middlesbrough, a factor that has contributed to the expectation of his departure this summer. This contractual situation is believed to offer good value for money for interested clubs.
Hackney’s Performance and Interest from Other Clubs
Hayden Hackney, born in Redcar, began his career in Middlesbrough’s academy at the under-10 level. He made his senior debut in January 2021 and subsequently had a loan spell with Scunthorpe United in League Two. Upon his return, he became a regular in the starting line-up under coach Michael Carrick during the 2022-23 season.
During the 2025-26 campaign, Hackney scored six goals and provided eight assists for Middlesbrough. His strong performances led to him being named the Championship Player of the Season. Middlesbrough qualified for the play-offs in fifth place that season, although their promotion bid ultimately ended in the final against Hull City.
The midfielder’s impressive form has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Crystal Palace. However, reports suggest that Hackney’s preference was to join Everton, driven by a desire to work with David Moyes.
Hackney has also represented his country at the youth international level. After making two appearances for Scotland’s under-21 side, he went on to win the 2025 Under-21 European Championship with England, contributing one assist in four games during the tournament.
Why Everton Targeted Hackney
Everton’s pursuit of Hackney comes as the club looks to strengthen its midfield options. There has been some uncertainty surrounding the futures of existing midfielders such as Idrissa Gueye and Tim Iroegbunam. Securing Hackney would represent an early piece of business in the summer transfer window, which has been influenced by the World Cup.
The club views Hackney as a player with the potential to step up to the Premier League. His data from the second tier is considered exceptional, giving Everton confidence in his ability to adapt. He is described as a box-to-box midfielder capable of breaking forward and progressing play.
Should the transfer be completed, Hackney could potentially partner James Garner in the heart of Everton’s midfield next season. The acquisition of Hackney would also mean Everton has fended off significant interest from other Premier League clubs for his services. The club aims to finalise the deal this week, potentially before Middlesbrough’s pre-season training begins on Thursday.
Middlesbrough’s promotion hopes were impacted by Hackney sustaining a groin injury that ruled him out of the end of the league season. He did return for the play-off final against Hull City at Wembley.
Read Also
Source: bbc.co.uk
As NewsGB's Senior Football Correspondent, Jack Ferndale reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He covered north-east football for a regional daily. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Sunderland and completed an NCTJ diploma. Jack lives in Sunderland, where he watches lower-league football home and away. “The story is in the squad, not just the starting eleven.”
