Everton has officially secured the signing of midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough for a fee that could reach £24 million. The 24-year-old has agreed to a five-year contract with the club, having just one year remaining on his previous deal at the Riverside Stadium.

Transfer Details

The transfer fee is reported to be structured with an initial £16.5 million, with potential add-ons that could bring the total closer to £24 million. Hackney's impressive performances in the Sky Bet Championship, where he was named Player of the Season for 2025/26, have made him a sought-after talent in the transfer market.

Manager's Comments

Everton manager David Moyes emphasized the importance of adding a new midfielder to the squad, stating, "Hayden is a promising young player who we've been tracking for some time, and I'm looking forward to working with him." He also noted the club's history of successfully identifying Championship players who have made significant contributions, expressing hope that Hackney will follow in those footsteps. Moyes added, "He's an England U21 international who will provide greater competition in midfield, which is something I wanted going into the new season."

Middlesbrough's Perspective

Middlesbrough, having narrowly missed promotion to the Premier League after losing to Hull in the play-off final, now faces the challenge of moving forward without their key player. With Hackney's contract situation and the club's recent setback, they have opted to sell rather than risk losing him for free next year. His performances had drawn interest from several top-flight clubs, including Manchester United, Brentford, and Crystal Palace, highlighting his rising profile in English football.

As Hackney embarks on this new chapter with Everton, both clubs will be keenly watching how this transfer unfolds in the coming season.