.jpg){kind=link}
Everton have completed the signing of former England u-21 international midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough. The 24-year-old will cost an initial fee of £16m, which could rise to £24m with add-ons.
There had been speculation over the move in recent weeks, and the Toffees have now sealed the deal. The midfielder has signed a five-year deal with the men from Merseyside as he looks to prove himself in the English top-flight.
Hackney was in the last year of his contract, which likely had a big effect on the size of the transfer fee.
Hackney has been a star performer
Hackney has built himself a reputation as one of the best up-and-coming young English players outside of the Premier League.
Despite injury issues towards the end of the campaign hampering his participation in the play-offs, the midfielder still scored five goals and seven assists for Boro in the English second tier.
His performances and attacking output contributed to Hackney being named Championship Player of the Year for the 2025/26 season.
Despite his second-tier displays, he has yet to play Premier League football. Hackney will be determined to prove that he belongs at the top level of the English game.
Adds to Everton’s midfield options
Everton’s midfield could be reshaped this summer, as Toffees boss David Moyes looks to improve on their 13th-place finish in the 2025/26 season.
Senegalese veteran central midfielder Idrissa ‘Gana’ Gueye is out of contract with the club and could leave, although talks between the two parties are still taking place about a short-term extension.
Fellow central midfielder Tim Iroegbunam has been heavily linked with a move away from Merseyside, with Ipswich Town supposedly interested in signing the former Aston Villa youngster.
Everton have also made Merlin Rohl’s loan switch from Freiburg permanent. Although the German was out of the team for a large period of the season, he did impress in flashes.
Moyes has utilised the versatile former Germany U-21 central midfielder in many different roles, including playing him out wide or switching him to a full-back position during games.