Everton agrees £25M fee with Middlesbrough for Hayden Hackney

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.

Why Everton beat bigger names to the punch

Everton weren’t the only ones circling. Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Crystal Palace were all credited with interest in Hackney.

Hackney’s England U21 international experience adds another layer of credibility to the move. Multiple top-flight clubs were willing to pay serious money for this player.

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