Everton have completed the signing of Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, with the midfielder arriving on a five-year contract after being named the 2025-26 Championship player of the season. The fee depends on the source: BBC described it as at least £16m, while Sky Sports reported £24m overall, with £16.5m up front and add-ons pushing it closer to that figure.
Hackney made it pretty clear the sell was straightforward once David Moyes got involved. Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: "I'm delighted to be here. As soon as I spoke to the manager [David Moyes], as soon as I knew Everton were interested, to be honest, it was always going to be Everton. It's such a big club, with the new stadium and the direction it's going in. I just wanted to be part of that."
Everton's midfield plan
This is a signing that fits what Everton needed. They finished 13th in the Premier League with 49 points and a goal difference of -3, numbers that point to a side still short of control and progression in central areas.
Hackney is not arriving as a finished Premier League midfielder, and Everton are not buying a guaranteed fix. But the profile makes sense. Craig Johns, speaking via the Liverpool Echo, described him as "an ultra-positive, ball-carrying midfielder" who "can unlock a defence with a pass".
Johns also argued that Hackney's best role is as an eight rather than a deeper sitter. He said: "Mainly, to get the best out of Hackney, you should play him as an eight with the freedom to get on the ball and break into the final third to support the attack. Partnered with a more defensive-minded midfielder who can offer him that little extra freedom, Hackney can really shine."
That suggests Everton are adding a different kind of option rather than simply replacing what they already had. Tim Iroegbunam is one part of that midfield group, but Hackney's arrival looks aimed at giving Moyes more drive and more craft between the lines.
What Middlesbrough are giving up
From Middlesbrough's side, this is not just a straightforward sale. Hackney came through the club from Under-10 level, so they are losing a homegrown player who had become central enough to win Championship player of the season.
The contract situation shaped the deal too. He had one year left on his Middlesbrough contract, which goes a long way to explaining why a sizeable offer was accepted now rather than later.
Johns' view on the fee was fairly balanced. He told the Liverpool Echo: "If all goes to plan, I think it will be a good deal for both parties. With just 12 months left on his contract, Boro have perhaps done well to get so much for Hackney. But that's reflective of his star quality and importance to Boro. They couldn't afford to lose him for peanuts because of the need to replace him. For Everton, there's a risk in signing a player with no top-flight experience for a big fee. But I genuinely believe it will be one that pays off."
That is a sensible read of it. Everton are paying for upside and for a season in which Hackney's stock rose sharply. Middlesbrough are cashing in before the final year of his deal runs down further.
Everton's summer has at least started with a clear idea. Hackney is 24, he has signed for five years, and he arrives with a Championship player of the season award behind him. Whether the final cost settles nearer the BBC figure or Sky Sports' overall number, Everton have made a serious midfield investment.
FAQ
Why did Hayden Hackney choose Everton over staying at Middlesbrough?
Hackney said Everton became the clear choice as soon as he spoke to David Moyes and knew the club were interested. He pointed to Everton's size, the new stadium and the direction of the club after completing a five-year move from Middlesbrough.
Why are Everton signing Hayden Hackney this summer?
The move fits Everton's need for more control and drive in midfield after a 13th-place Premier League finish with 49 points and a -3 goal difference. Craig Johns described Hackney as an ultra-positive, ball-carrying midfielder who is best used as an eight with freedom to support attacks.
Was Hayden Hackney's Everton transfer fee £16m or £24m?
Reports differ on the structure. BBC described the fee as at least £16m, while Sky Sports reported £24m overall, with £16.5m up front and add-ons taking it closer to that figure. The safest way to frame it is as a deal with a lower guaranteed payment and bonuses on top.
What are Middlesbrough losing with Hayden Hackney leaving?
Middlesbrough are losing a homegrown midfielder who had been with the club since Under-10 level and was the 2025-26 Championship player of the season. He also had only one year left on his contract, which helps explain why the club accepted a major fee this summer.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →