Hayden Hackney could be the “steal of the summer” according to transfer value expert Professor Rob Wilson, after Everton secured the Championship Player of the Year for an initial £16.5m.
Deal Details
Everton confirmed the arrival of the 24-year-old midfielder on Thursday morning following weeks of negotiations. The deal could eventually reach close to £25m if a number of clauses are met over the coming years. Hackney is the first new arrival secured by Everton this summer, though he is the club’s second summer signing after their Premier League survival triggered the obligation to make Merlin Rohl’s loan move permanent.
Market Context
Everton initially hoped to secure a deal for around £10m-£12m given Hackney had just one year left on his contract and Middlesbrough had failed to win promotion. However, the Championship club argued he had improved over the season and hoped interest from elsewhere might start a bidding war. That did not materialise, helped by Hackney’s intimation that Merseyside was his preferred destination.
Expert Opinion
Professor Rob Wilson of Sheffield Hallam University told Betting Lounge: “For the clubs who know where to find value, there are still bargains to be had too. Hayden Hackney at £25 million [should all clauses be met] feels right given his profile, age, the English premium and his performances for Middlesbrough in the Championship. He could be the steal of the summer.”
Wilson’s comments come in an inflated midfield market that has already seen Manchester City agree a British record transfer for Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes join Tottenham Hotspur in an £85m deal.
Further Transfers
Further work is ongoing in the transfer market, with Everton in talks with Chelsea over a potential deal for Tyrique George and a right back high on the agenda.
