Everton Nearing Midfielder Agreement
Everton are reportedly nearing a deal to sign highly-rated midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough. The Championship club’s 24-year-old midfielder has been a key target for Everton, with talks between the clubs progressing towards a conclusion. This potential transfer could mark Everton’s first summer signing.
Interest in Hackney from Everton first emerged earlier in the summer, and while Middlesbrough initially rejected multiple offers, negotiations have continued. Various reports suggest an agreement is now imminent, with some outlets indicating a fee has been agreed upon.
Transfer Details and Player Profile
The final transfer figure for Hackney, who has one year remaining on his Middlesbrough contract, is still under discussion. One report suggests an initial fee of at least £16m. Other reports indicate an initial £16.5m, potentially rising to £25m with add-ons. These add-ons could include an additional £5m dependent on appearances, and a further £3m linked to Champions League qualification and England recognition. If the full £25m is reached, it would place Hackney just outside the top 10 most expensive transfers in Everton’s history.
Hackney was born in Redcar and joined Middlesbrough’s academy at under-10 level. He made his senior debut in January 2021 before a loan spell at Scunthorpe United. Upon his return, he became a regular in the starting line-up under coach Michael Carrick during the 2022-23 season. He previously made two appearances for Scotland’s under-21 side before winning the 2025 Under-21 European Championship with England, providing one assist in four games during that tournament.
For the 2025-26 campaign, Hackney scored six goals and provided eight assists for Middlesbrough. His performance earned him the league’s player of the season award in what was his fourth full season with the first team. Middlesbrough qualified for the play-offs in fifth place that season.
Impact and Future Expectations
Hackney was integral to Middlesbrough’s promotion push, which concluded with a defeat to Hull City in the play-off final at Wembley. Middlesbrough had a strong season, but their automatic promotion hopes faded after winning only two of their final eight league games, partly due to Hackney sustaining a groin injury that kept him out of the run-in. He returned for the play-off final but could not prevent the loss.
Everton has targeted Hackney as a box-to-box midfielder capable of breaking forward and progressing play. His data from the second-tier level has been considered exceptional, giving Everton confidence in his ability to step up to the Premier League. He is seen as a potential partner for James Garner in the heart of midfield next season.
The club’s pursuit of Hackney has been ongoing, with Everton reportedly staving off interest from other Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Crystal Palace. Hackney’s preference was reportedly to join Everton, where he was keen to work with David Moyes. The deal is hoped to be finalised this week, potentially allowing Hackney to avoid returning to pre-season training with Middlesbrough on Thursday.
This move is seen as an early opportunity for Everton to strengthen their midfield, especially with ongoing uncertainty surrounding the futures of Idrissa Gueye and Tim Iroegbunam. Should Gueye depart, Everton may still need another midfield option in addition to Hackney.
The 24-year-old’s contractual situation, with 12 months remaining, means he is expected to represent good value for money for buying clubs.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
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Charlie Bradshaw is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with ten years of reporting experience. He covered Merseyside football before going national. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Liverpool John Moores University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Liverpool, he watches non-league sides and collects old match programmes. “The back page is only ever half the story.”