AdminEverton are on the verge of securing their first major statement signing of the summer transfer window, closing in on a £25 million deal for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
The Toffees, led by manager David Moyes, finally made a breakthrough in negotiations after Middlesbrough rejected at least three previous bids—including offers of £12 million and £15 million—for their talismanic captain. With only 12 months left on his current contract at the Riverside Stadium, Boro have opted to cash in on their academy graduate after narrowly missing out on Premier League promotion in the play-off final.
Hackney, 23, enjoys an burgeoning reputation as one of the finest talents outside the top flight, having been named the Championship’s Player of the Season for the 2025/26 campaign. The dynamic playmaker registered five goals and seven assists last term while leading all second-tier midfielders in progressive carries.
With Idrissa Gana Gueye’s contract expiring, Moyes has earmarked Hackney to immediately inject fresh legs, energy, and elite ball-carrying ability into Everton’s engine room. Despite late interest from Crystal Palace, Manchester United, and Tottenham, the Blues have won the race, with a formal announcement expected later this week.
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