In the latest post-season Q&A, Everton FC correspondent Joe Thomas deals with queries ranging from transfer activity this summer to the fallout from the latest judgement to go against the club under the auspices of the Premier League's profit and sustainability regulations (PSR).
Hayden Hackney Transfer Pursuit
Multiple clubs have been monitoring the Middlesbrough midfielder for some time, but sources indicate the player's preference is to join Everton. However, the two clubs have yet to agree on a fee, which has proven more complicated than Everton initially anticipated.
Observers outside Middlesbrough suggest a fee of around £10m-£12m would be fair given Hackney is entering the final 12 months of his contract and Boro missed out on Premier League promotion. The Championship side is holding out for more, leaving Everton to weigh how far they are willing to go.
A sensible compromise would benefit Everton, but interest from other clubs could spark a bidding war, potentially driving the price beyond what Everton considers value. Conversely, Middlesbrough risks losing Hackney for nothing next year if they price out suitors. The key factor is whether any rival club makes an official challenge. Without that, Boro may be more willing to compromise. While other clubs with deeper pockets could push Everton aside, the Toffees remain in pole position.
PSR Compensation Payment
Regarding the compensation owed to Burnley, one fan suggested paying £1m annually until the debt is cleared. However, Joe Thomas notes that interest on the compensation has already run into millions, and delaying payment could accrue even greater costs through additional interest. The mechanics of payment timing may be subject to legal discretion, but dragging out the process would likely be counterproductive.
Appeal Against £35m Ruling
Everton feels like a test case because they are – the first club prosecuted under PSR, punished, appealed, faced a second case, and now a compensation claim. The club largely put themselves in this position by breaching rules, but the proportionality of sanctions remains debatable. Inconsistencies in how Everton has been treated will likely form a major part of the appeal.
A key argument is that Everton was deemed on a path to breaching PSR during the 2021/22 season, but Burnley was relegated in May, while the financial year runs until June. Other clubs have used that period to remedy PSR concerns without being penalized for any advantage gained. The appeal will challenge whether Everton's non-compliance directly caused Burnley's relegation.
Vitalii Mykolenko's New Contract
Mykolenko's new deal signals manager David Moyes' continued faith in the Ukraine international. While defensively solid, his attacking limitations are acknowledged. The signing of Adam Aznou last summer reflected that, but Aznou has seen limited opportunities and is expected to go on loan.
Everton will keep an eye on the left-back market for cover and competition, though it is not the highest priority. Right-back, however, is viewed as a high-priority position, and it would be extraordinary if the club went another window without addressing it.
Summer Transfer Window Outlook
This summer's transfer window should be more joined up than last year's, which was undermined by contract uncertainties and a recruitment team that only came together late. Moyes and the Friedkin Group have addressed most outstanding contract issues – James Garner, James Tarkowski, and now Mykolenko – leaving only Idrissa Gueye's situation uncertain.
The senior leadership team now has a full season of experience and understands the squad's needs. Business should be more strategic, with early signs like the pursuit of Hayden Hackney, who has been monitored for some time. If signed, it would likely require a departure from central midfield, and the club is open to offers for several players to reshape the squad with a clearer identity.
