Everton is finalizing a high-profile move to secure Middlesbrough’s standout midfielder Hayden Hackney.
The 24-year-old winger was a pivotal figure in Middlesbrough’s promotion campaign, which concluded with a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Hull City in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium in May 2023.
While negotiations for the transfer fee remain ongoing—with Hackney holding one season remaining on his current contract—industry insiders estimate the fee will exceed £16 million.
Hackney’s roots in Redcar come through; he joined Middlesbrough’s youth setup at age 10 and quickly rose through the ranks.
Crystal Palace had previously shown interest in the player, but Hackney has expressed a strong preference to join David Moyes’ Everton squad, positioning this potential summer acquisition as the club’s first major transfer signing of the window.
