Everton have officially completed the signing of midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough. The deal for Hackney, who was named the Championship Player of the Season, could reach £25m. He has committed to a five-year contract with the Merseyside club.
The initial fee for Hackney is £16.5m, with potential add-ons that could increase it to £25m. These add-ons include clauses related to Hackney playing for England. Middlesbrough had previously rejected several bids for the player, holding out for their valuation as he had only 12 months remaining on his contract.
Hackney expressed his enthusiasm for joining Everton, stating that once he knew of the club’s interest and spoke with the manager, it was always his preferred destination. He highlighted the club’s size, its new stadium, and its future direction as key factors in his decision. The midfielder also noted manager David Moyes’ track record of successfully bringing players from the Championship to the Premier League.
He described himself as a player who offers a bit of everything, both attacking and defensively. Hackney mentioned his ability to carry the ball, make late runs into the box, and hopefully score goals. He acknowledged that he has not yet played in the Premier League but believes he can develop further once he adapts to the top flight.
David Moyes commented on Hackney’s arrival, calling him a promising young player who the club had been monitoring for some time. Moyes emphasised the club’s history of identifying talented players in the Championship who have gone on to become valuable assets. He hopes Hackney will follow this trend.
Moyes also noted that Hackney is an England Under-21 international and will enhance competition in the midfield, which was a priority for the upcoming season. Hackney was part of the England team that won the European Under-21 Championship in 2025.
Tottenham’s record signing
In other transfer news, Tottenham have confirmed the signing of midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham. The deal is valued at £85m, marking a club record for Tottenham.
Fernandes, a Portugal international, began his career at Sporting and spent a season at Southampton in 2024-25 before joining West Ham in August of the previous year.
Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi praised Fernandes, highlighting his combination of quality on the ball, intensity, and intelligence, which aligns with the team’s playing style. De Zerbi also noted Fernandes’ existing experience and consistent performance in the Premier League despite his age.
Fernandes expressed his excitement for this new chapter, calling Spurs a massive club. He stated that his conversations with De Zerbi were a key reason for his decision to join, as they share a similar vision for football, focusing on being a strong, combative, and energetic team aiming to win every game.
De Zerbi further added that Fernandes is comfortable under pressure, capable of progressing the ball, works diligently for the team, and possesses the courage to influence difficult situations. He believes Tottenham provides an ideal environment for Fernandes’ continued development and looks forward to working with him.
Hackney’s move to Everton was completed before the start of pre-season, allowing him to integrate with the squad from day one.
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Source: theguardian.com
Lucy Ashby is a Sports Reporter at NewsGB. She reported on the county circuit and Team GB. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Durham University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Durham, she plays club cricket and follows distance running. “The best sport reporting starts by listening.”
