Everton have emerged as leading contenders to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney this summer, according to TEAMtalk. The Toffees' recruitment team are understood to be long-term admirers of the 23-year-old, who was recently crowned the Championship Player of the Season. The move would represent a significant statement of intent from an Everton side currently positioned tenth in the Premier League and pushing for European qualification.
Hackney has been instrumental in Middlesbrough's promotion push this campaign, making 38 league appearances and contributing five goals and eight assists from a defensive midfield role. His consistently high performances have alerted a host of Premier League clubs, with transfer insider Graeme Bailey stating that more than half the division are monitoring his situation. Everton, however, are believed to be at the front of the queue for his signature.
The transfer dynamics are heavily influenced by Middlesbrough's ongoing battle for promotion. The club are keen to retain their academy graduate, but with his contract running until 2027, this summer may represent their last opportunity to command a substantial fee should they fail to secure a Premier League place. Securing promotion would strengthen Boro's hand to offer an improved contract, but with that outcome uncertain, a summer departure is considered increasingly likely.
For Everton, the pursuit aligns with a strategy to add quality and depth, particularly with the potential of European football next season. Manager David Moyes currently relies on the experience of 36-year-old Idrissa Gueye, whose contract includes a one-year extension option the club is expected to trigger. Hackney is viewed as a player who could immediately compete with Gueye and James Garner for a starting role, while also representing a long-term investment for the future.
Everton's midfield is set for further evolution with the permanent signing of Merlin Rohl from Freiburg, while Tim Iroegbunam and prospect Harrison Armstrong provide additional options. The potential addition of Hackney would bolster this area significantly, providing the squad depth required for a multi-front campaign. While no fee has been disclosed, the competition for his signature is expected to be fierce, especially if Middlesbrough remain in the Championship, potentially driving up his valuation.
