Everton are on the verge of completing their first summer signing, agreeing a £25 million deal for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney. The 24-year-old, who was named EFL Championship Player of the Year last season, is expected to join David Moyes' squad imminently after Middlesbrough's promotion heartbreak in the play-off final against Hull City.
Step Up to Premier League
According to Teesside Live's Middlesbrough reporter Craig Johns, Hackney has outgrown the Championship. 'In every game he played last season, he always looked a class above,' Johns told the ECHO. Encouragingly, Hackney has scored against Premier League sides Fulham and Chelsea in cup competitions and performed well against top-flight opposition. Johns draws comparisons to successful Championship-to-Premier League midfielders like Alex Scott and Adam Wharton, noting that Hackney 'looked every bit as good, if not better' in his final Championship season.
Best Attributes and Position
Hackney is described as an 'ultra-positive, ball-carrying midfielder' who excels at driving forward and unlocking defences. He has scored impressive goals and matured under Michael Carrick's tutelage, learning to shape his body when receiving the ball. His best position is as a number eight with freedom to attack, supported by a defensive-minded partner. While he can play as a deeper six or even as a ten or inside forward, Johns warns that 'it certainly wouldn't be the way to get the best out of him.'
Temperament and Physicality
Hackney generally plays with a smile and loves to express himself. However, Johns notes occasional frustration on bad days—'maybe two or three times in the last four seasons.' In high-pressure promotion battles, Hackney has consistently performed well, suggesting he can cope with the Premier League's intensity.
Deal Value and Future
With only 12 months left on his contract, Middlesbrough secured a substantial fee. Johns believes it is a good deal for both clubs: 'Everton there's a risk in signing a player with no top-flight experience for a big fee. But I genuinely believe it will be one that pays off.' He predicts Everton could sell Hackney to a top-six club for a significantly larger fee, and expects Middlesbrough to have inserted a sell-on clause, as they did with Morgan Rogers' move to Aston Villa.
Injury and England Prospects
Hackney missed the end of the season with a groin injury, managing only 25 minutes in the play-off final. However, he has been posting videos of private training and is expected to be fit for pre-season. Having represented England U21s, he could target the senior team, though competition is fierce. Johns notes Hackney has resisted approaches from Scotland, for whom he is eligible via a grandparent.
Areas for Improvement
Johns identifies Hackney's out-of-possession work as a weakness: 'While he certainly isn't lazy and never shirks a challenge, that side of his game isn't his strength.' Alternatively, if Moyes wants to enhance his attacking output, improving his timing for arriving in the box could add more goals.
Boro Fans' Reaction
Middlesbrough fans are 'gutted' to lose a homegrown talent, but resigned after the play-off defeat. Hackney turned down a move to Ipswich last summer to try to win promotion with Boro. 'He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at Boro,' Johns said, comparing it to Marcus Tavernier's move to Bournemouth.
