Hayden Hackney's arrival at Everton for an initial £16.5m from Middlesbrough is set to trigger further upheaval in the club's midfield this summer. The Championship player of the year becomes the second midfield signing of the window, following the permanent £18m transfer of Merlin Rohl from Freiburg, which was triggered after Everton avoided relegation.
Midfield Crowded as Gueye Departs
Hackney and Rohl join a packed central midfield that includes James Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tim Iroegbunam, Harrison Armstrong, and Carlos Alcaraz. Idrissa Gueye's contract expired this week, and the 36-year-old is no longer an Everton player. The club remains in contact with his representatives but is looking to reduce reliance on the veteran, who will turn 37 early next season.
Everton is open to signing a defensive midfielder if the right opportunity arises. Mandela Keita of Parma in Serie A has been monitored; the 24-year-old played 37 league games last season and has a senior Belgium cap.
Futures of Alcaraz, Iroegbunam, and Armstrong Under Scrutiny
Carlos Alcaraz and Tim Iroegbunam have entered the final year of their contracts. Alcaraz was used sparingly by Moyes when fit, while Iroegbunam became the manager's go-to backup, earning man of the match in the draw with Manchester City. Ipswich Town and Hull City have shown interest in Iroegbunam, and serious offers could be considered after Everton rebuffed Lazio in January.
Harrison Armstrong's situation is also unclear. The teenager impressed Moyes after returning from a loan at Preston, but his playing time diminished late in the season. A further loan move is possible, with interest from clubs in England and Germany.
Moyes Seeks Greater Competition
Moyes aimed to enhance midfield competition this summer, and Hackney's signing is a step in that direction. With Gueye's exit and potential departures, the midfield could see significant turnover before the window closes.
