Everton’s summer transfer activity has intensified, with the club making significant progress on two fronts in recent days. After weeks of negotiations, a breakthrough was achieved with Middlesbrough over midfielder Hayden Hackney, and a deal has now been agreed pending final formalities. The 24-year-old Championship Player of the Year is set to become Everton’s second summer signing for an initial fee of around £16.5m, providing a boost for manager David Moyes, who identified central midfield as a key area for reinforcement.
Midfield Dynamics and Future Plans
Hackney’s arrival is not expected to end Everton’s midfield business. The club remains interested in a defensive midfielder to anchor the team. Meanwhile, his signing will impact current squad members. Tim Iroegbunam, who ended last season as Moyes’ primary back-up central midfielder and impressed in the absence of Idrissa Gueye, has attracted interest from Ipswich Town and Hull City. Everton rebuffed a January approach from Lazio for the 23-year-old, but with the permanent signing of loanee Merlin Rohl and Hackney’s arrival, the midfield now appears crowded. Serious interest in Iroegbunam may be entertained, though the player himself may seek opportunities after enhancing his reputation last season.
Youngster Harrison Armstrong, who broke into the first team under Moyes after a loan spell at Preston North End, faces a pivotal season. The England youth international struggled for minutes late in the campaign, and Hackney’s signing may require assurances over his pathway. Other clubs are monitoring his situation, eyeing a potential move for the promising talent.
Idrissa Gueye’s contract has expired, and the 36-year-old is currently focused on the World Cup with Senegal. Everton has engaged with his representatives, and both parties are comfortable with the current state of play. Should the club pursue a new deal, it would aim to reduce reliance on the veteran, who turns 37 in September, though Gueye may not be inclined to accept a reduced role.
Progress on Tyrique George and Jack Grealish
Everton is making headway in talks with Chelsea over a permanent deal for Tyrique George. The ECHO reported last month that the Blues sought to renegotiate the terms of his loan agreement, and that process is now underway. The 20-year-old, liked by Moyes, could return to the club he finished last season with. Similarly, Jack Grealish’s future is under discussion. The 30-year-old, who suffered a stress fracture ending his season in January, has returned to light training and continued rehabilitation at Finch Farm. Everton is open to discussing another loan from Manchester City.
Right-Back Priority and Striker Situation
Right-back remains a priority position. Nathan Patterson’s future is under scrutiny after Scotland’s World Cup exit. The 22-year-old has struggled with injuries since joining in January 2022 and has been overlooked by successive managers, who preferred out-of-position players. His future is likely away from Everton. Options being considered include Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Atalanta’s Raoul Bellanova, while Strasbourg’s Guela Doue is likely too expensive as his reputation grows.
Up front, Thierno Barry and Beto scored 17 Premier League goals between them, not enough for Moyes to rule out a forward signing if a reasonable fee presents itself. Moyes remains a fan of Chelsea’s Liam Delap, whom Everton tried to sign last summer. A permanent deal for George could pave the way for a loan for Delap. However, Barry and Beto showed enough in the second half of the season for the club to feel they can avoid a tough striker market if better options do not emerge. Everton has taken heart from RB Leipzig’s enquiry over Barry, viewing it as validation of his potential to develop into a top-flight forward.
