Everton have struck a deal worth £25 million to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, landing one of the most coveted midfielders outside the Premier League. The 24-year-old was named Championship Player of the Season for 2025-26, which makes the price tag look less like a splurge and more like a statement of intent from David Moyes’ side.
The agreement didn’t come easy. Everton reportedly had earlier bids in the range of £12 million to £15 million knocked back by Middlesbrough. The Toffees then moved closer to £20 million before ultimately landing on the £25 million figure that got the deal over the line.
A long pursuit finally pays off
Hackney is a Middlesbrough academy product. He has just 12 months remaining on his contract with Middlesbrough, meaning the Championship club faced a choice: accept a fee now or risk losing him for significantly less, or even nothing, next summer.
Hackney reportedly made the decision easier by expressing a clear preference for the move to Everton.
