£45m star player has agreed to join Everton this summer over Manchester united

Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney has reportedly agreed in principle to join Everton this summer, choosing the Toffees ahead of interest from Manchester United and several other Premier League clubs. The 23-year-old England Under-21 international, named Championship Player of the Season after a stellar campaign, is set to depart the Riverside Stadium following Boro’s heartbreaking play-off final defeat to Hull City.

Hackney enjoyed an outstanding 2025-26 season, contributing five goals and eight assists in 38 league appearances as a deep-lying playmaker. His composure on the ball, progressive passing, and defensive tenacity have drawn widespread acclaim. With just one year remaining on his contract, Middlesbrough are resigned to selling their academy graduate, with valuations hovering between £15-30 million.

Everton have emerged as clear frontrunners. Manager David Moyes has tracked the player for over a year and sees him as the ideal addition to strengthen a midfield that requires energy and creativity. Sources indicate Hackney prioritizes regular first-team football, which Goodison Park offers more readily than bigger clubs. Reports from The Athletic confirm his strong preference for Everton, even as talks with Middlesbrough have yet to formally open.

Manchester United, despite interest from new permanent manager Michael Carrick—Hackney’s former Boro boss—have decided against pursuing the deal aggressively. While Carrick advocated for a reunion, Hackney sits low on United’s midfield targets list, and the club doubts he would secure consistent minutes amid their deeper squad. Tottenham Hotspur, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Nottingham Forest, and others have also shown admiration, but Everton lead the race decisively.

For Everton, signing Hackney represents smart recruitment under financial constraints. The young Englishman fits Moyes’ profile of developing Championship talent into Premier League performers. His arrival would inject dynamism into the Toffees’ engine room alongside the likes of James Garner and Idrissa Gueye.

Middlesbrough fans will lament the loss of a homegrown star who embodied their fight for promotion. Yet the move marks a significant step up for Hackney, trading Championship near-misses for Premier League stability. As the summer window heats up, Everton look poised to secure their first major signing, potentially for around £20 million, bolstering their midfield for the challenges ahead.

This transfer underscores Hackney’s maturity in choosing development and playing time over the glamour of Old Trafford. Everton supporters will eagerly await his arrival at Goodison Park.