Everton have emerged as frontrunners to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. Following Boro’s heartbreak in the Championship play-off final against Hull City at Wembley, the Teesside club now faces the prospect of losing their prized asset, who is widely expected to step up to the Premier League. The 23-year-old deep-lying playmaker enjoyed a superb 2025–26 campaign, scoring five goals and providing eight assists in 38 league appearances. His technical quality earned him both the Championship Player of the Season award and a place in the Team of the Year. With Hackney about to enter the final year of his contract at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough are resigned to cashing in on the England Under-21 international, and Everton have emerged as the most likely destination. Under David Moyes, the Hill Dickinson Stadium club have enjoyed a resurgence, building a robust side that pushed for European qualification.
However, Everton’s recruitment team recognises an urgent need for midfield reinforcements. With veteran Idrissa Gana Gueye now 36 and Moyes eager to inject more dynamism alongside James Garner, Hackney represents the ideal bridge between immediate top-flight readiness and long-term potential.
Despite Everton’s strong position, securing the deal will require navigating a competitive transfer market. Several Premier League clubs are monitoring Hackney’s situation, with Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace linked. There is also a potential late move from Manchester United, where newly appointed permanent manager Michael Carrick is reportedly pushing for a reunion with the playmaker he nurtured during his time in the North East.
While Manchester United can offer Champions League football, Everton’s clear pathway to regular, immediate first-team action remains a powerful selling point.