Everton have announced their first signing of the summer, bringing in midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough. The Teesside native, who is 24 years old, has joined the Merseyside club after weeks of negotiations regarding the transfer fee.
Hackney was named the Championship Player of the Year in the 2025/26 season. He contributed five goals and seven assists in 38 starts in the Championship during the last season. His performances attracted interest from several clubs before Everton secured his signature.
Hackney’s move to Everton
The deal for Hackney could potentially reach a higher figure with add-ons. Middlesbrough had previously turned down multiple bids from Everton for the midfielder. Interest from Crystal Palace reportedly strengthened Middlesbrough’s negotiating position, but Hackney expressed a clear intention to join Everton.
Hackney has signed a five-year contract with Everton. He has also made 13 appearances for the England Under-21 side, scoring once. He was part of the England team that won the European Under-21 Championship.
Speaking about his move, Hackney stated, “As soon as I spoke to the manager, as soon as I knew Everton were interested, 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.” He also mentioned that the manager’s history of bringing players from the Championship to the Premier League was a significant factor in his decision.
Hackney added, “I think fans can expect a bit of everything from me – attacking and defensively. I think I can carry the ball well, arrive late in the box, and hopefully score some goals. I think there’s plenty more to come from me. Obviously, I haven’t played in the Premier League yet, so once I get used to that I think I can kick on from there.”
Manager’s comments and other transfers
Everton manager David Moyes commented on the signing, saying, “Hayden is a promising young player who we’ve been tracking for some time, and I’m looking forward to working with him.” Moyes noted the club’s history of identifying talented players in the Championship who have gone on to succeed at Everton.
Moyes further stated, “He’s an England Under-21 international who will provide greater competition in midfield, which is something I wanted going into the new season.” Moyes had reportedly wanted to sign Hackney last summer before focusing on other areas of the squad.
In other transfer news, Tottenham have confirmed the signing of midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham. The 21-year-old Portugal international began his career at Sporting and spent a season at Southampton before joining the Hammers. Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi expressed his admiration for Fernandes, highlighting his quality on the ball, intensity, and intelligence.
De Zerbi added that Fernandes has good experience in the Premier League despite his age and has shown consistency at this level. Fernandes himself expressed excitement for the move, calling Spurs a “massive club” and noting that the head coach was a key reason for his decision to join.
Fernandes stated, “When we spoke it was very special. We look at football in the same way – going on to the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can’t wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the club.” De Zerbi believes that Tottenham is an ideal environment for Fernandes to continue his development.
Everton are also reportedly close to signing winger Tyrique George from Chelsea.
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Source: fantasyfootballscout.co.uk
Niamh Pendlebury is the Sports Reporter at NewsGB.org, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB and the county circuit. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Preston, she plays club tennis and follows road running. “The best interviews come from patience, not pressure.”