Everton has officially signed Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough in a deal valued at £24 million. The agreement features an upfront payment of £16.5 million, with potential add-ons bringing the total closer to the mentioned figure. Hackney has committed to a five-year contract on Merseyside.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who earned the title of Sky Bet Championship Player of the Season for 2025/26, was approaching the final year of his contract at the Riverside Stadium. David Moyes, the Everton manager, emphasized the importance of acquiring a new No 6-type midfielder this summer, stating, "Hayden is a promising young player who we've been tracking for some time, and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Middlesbrough faces the harsh reality of losing a key player after their unsuccessful bid for promotion in May. Had they secured a spot in the Premier League, they might have retained their hometown hero. The team’s defeat to Hull in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final left them with limited options, ultimately leading to this sale.

Hackney had garnered interest from several top-flight clubs, including Manchester United, Brentford, and Crystal Palace, due to his impactful role in Boro's promotion campaign. Although he missed the final crucial matches due to a groin injury, his earlier performance was pivotal, positioning the team second in the table at one point.

Everton’s Transfer Summary:

• In:
  • Hayden Hackney - Middlesbrough, £24m
  • Merlin Rohl - Freiburg, £21.7m
• Out:
  • Isaac Heath - Cambridge, free
  • Seamus Coleman - released
  • Tyler Onyango - released
  • Idrissa Gueye - released