Everton has secured the services of midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough for a transfer fee starting at £16m. The 24-year-old, who has been with Middlesbrough since his youth academy days, had 12 months remaining on his previous contract. His departure follows the club’s unsuccessful bid for Premier League promotion last season.
Recognized as the 2025-26 Championship player of the season, Hackney played a pivotal role in leading Middlesbrough to the play-off final this past May, where they were defeated 1-0 by Hull City. He has now committed to a five-year contract with Everton.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the transfer, Hackney credited Everton manager David Moyes for his decision to join the Merseyside club. He cited the team’s promising trajectory and the construction of their new stadium as key factors that influenced his choice to move to Goodison Park.
