- Everton are making a push to sign Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney.
- The club have already met with the midfielders’ representatives.
- But Toffees still have multiple hurdles to jump if they want to sign Boro man.
Hayden Hackney has emerged as a prime target for David Moyes this summer. The midfielder was a member of a Middlesbrough team that were just a game away from Premier League promotion, but had the prospect cruelly snatched from them due to a late defeat against Hull City.
Everton’s dismal end to their 2025-26 campaign revealed the need for multiple signings in the upcoming transfer window, and the club are making an early push for Hackney.
A committee from the Toffees, including club CEO Angus Kinnear, has already met with Hackney’s representatives, yet a deal for the 23-year-old is not as close as some may think.
Middlesbrough are yet to receive an official offer
With rumours about Hackney’s future being floated, Middlesbrough are still yet to receive any formal offer for their star player, according to the Northern Echo.
The club also do not feel they have to sell the Englishman this summer, and he is still in their plans for their next Championship campaign.
Yet the midfielder’s contract is set to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season, so there is a good chance that Boro will cash in while they have the chance to do so.
Everton are not the only club interested in Hackney and will likely face competition from Premier League rivals for his signature.
A fee of around £20 million has been paired with the player, but the Toffees may try to negotiate a lower price.
Everton must be wary of rivals
Even though the Blues have already started the legwork in an effort to sign Hackney, they should still be wary of rivals who are also looking at the England U21 international.
The 23-year-old is impressed by the setup on Merseyside, but his mind could easily be turned by the promise of European football or a guaranteed starting role.
Should Hackney choose to make his way to Hill Dickinson Stadium, he would be entering a competitive midfield that features the likes of James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
On top of this, he would also turn down opportunities to play for sides with European pedigree, such as Crystal Palace.
The original transfer update on Hackney was positive, and it is encouraging to see the club making moves in the transfer window relatively early, but they still have far to go if they want to get their first signing over the line.
