Godwin ObajeAs the transfer window nears its September 1 closure, Everton Football Club have made clear their ambition to bolster their midfield ranks with a marquee signing. Hayden Hackney, the highly-rated Middlesbrough midfielder, has emerged as a serious target for David Moyes’ evolving squad, with multiple sources confirming that the 23-year-old England under-21 international is set to leave the Riverside Stadium this summer.
A New Era at Everton Begins
The Toffees, now entering a new chapter following their long-anticipated departure from Goodison Park, are navigating a critical window with several key additions already secured. Mark Travers has joined from Bournemouth in a £4 million move to add goalkeeping depth, while Thierno Barry became the club’s most expensive summer signing to date, arriving for £27 million from Villarreal.
But with midfield options needing greater depth and dynamism, Moyes’ interest in Hackney signals a clear intent: to build a younger, more energetic core in the centre of the park as Everton aim to re-establish themselves in the top half of the Premier League.
Hackney: “On Another Planet” Midfield Talent
Described by sources close to the club as being “on another planet,” Hackney has made waves in English football circles with his technically sound, high-tempo performances. His contribution to England’s Under-21 European Championship victory this summer was particularly eye-catching. In the final against Germany, Hackney came on as a substitute, recorded a 100% pass accuracy rate, and even contributed an assist—an efficiency that did not go unnoticed by the Everton scouting team.
Those who have followed his development closely cite his tactical intelligence, tireless work rate, and leadership qualities as distinguishing features of a player who seems destined for top-flight football. Despite Middlesbrough’s failure to gain promotion from the Championship last season, Hackney’s individual performance stood out as a beacon of consistency and promise.
Everton’s Calculated Move
GIVEMESPORT sources confirm that Everton are “firmly in the mix” to recruit Hackney, and the player’s representatives have been actively exploring Premier League opportunities. It’s understood that Hackney is open to a move after concluding that remaining in the Championship may not serve his long-term aspirations. Sources close to the negotiations believe that Middlesbrough are now more receptive to offers, given the scale of interest in the midfielder and his own readiness for a step up.
The Toffees are mindful of the £20 million valuation attached to Hackney and, crucially, the potential for a bidding war. While that figure may initially seem steep for a player without Premier League minutes under his belt, Everton’s interest suggests they see Hackney as a long-term investment rather than a stopgap solution.
As one club source put it: “He’s not just one for the future. He could make an impact now—and grow with the club.”
Premier League and Overseas Rivals Circle
While Moyes and Everton have made their intentions clear, Hackney’s availability has drawn significant interest from other quarters. GMS sources report that he’s being tracked not only by Premier League rivals but also by clubs across Europe. His composure on the ball and ability to dictate play have caught the eye of continental scouts, with several Bundesliga and Serie A teams reportedly sending representatives to Middlesbrough matches late last season.
Notably, Portuguese giants FC Porto lodged a £10 million bid during the January window, which Middlesbrough rejected. That rejection may have kept the door open for a Premier League move, but it also demonstrated Hackney’s rising stock abroad. The midfielder’s camp has not ruled out a move outside England, though Premier League football remains his stated preference.
Hackney’s Position: Poised But Not Rushed
Despite the flurry of interest, Hackney is said to be weighing his options carefully. According to GIVEMESPORT, “Hackney is currently weighing up his options after deciding that he is prepared to move onto pastures new following Middlesbrough’s failed attempt to challenge for promotion.” He is reportedly in no rush to make a decision, and any club hoping to secure his signature must present a clear vision for his role, development, and playing time.
Everton, meanwhile, are believed to be working behind the scenes to ensure that their pitch to Hackney is compelling. Moyes is said to have spoken with the player’s representatives directly, outlining a path to first-team football and highlighting his own track record with young midfielders.
The Moyes Factor: A Key Attraction
One aspect working in Everton’s favour is David Moyes himself. Known for his man-management and development of emerging talents, Moyes has already begun shaping a younger, faster, more technically adept squad. For a player like Hackney, who is entering his prime and seeking the right environment to flourish, a move to Everton under Moyes could be a defining step.
A source close to the negotiations noted: “Hayden respects Moyes’ track record. He’s not chasing a flashy move—he wants somewhere that will challenge and grow him.”
The manager’s clear demand for internal competition is also part of the attraction. With Everton set to compete on multiple fronts next season, depth will be critical, and Hackney is being lined up as a player who can rotate into both domestic and potential cup starting XIs.
Strategic Fit and Tactical Versatility
Analytically, Hackney is more than just a ball-winner. His progressive carries, spatial awareness, and transitional play would suit Everton’s developing 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 systems. His ability to break lines with short vertical passes or shift tempo with a sweeping switch gives Moyes tactical flexibility. He can operate as a deep-lying playmaker, a pivot in a double-six system, or even as a more advanced box-to-box midfielder depending on the match scenario.
One analyst at a Premier League club scouting meeting described him as “a rare midfield profile in the Championship—more Bundesliga in style than British.” This stylistic hybridity might be exactly what Everton need as they look to modernise their midfield.
Risk and Reward: The Financial Equation
From a financial standpoint, Everton are walking a fine line. With Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) becoming more strictly enforced across the league, a £20 million-plus outlay must be carefully justified. But with the club keen to avoid another season scrapping for survival, calculated investments in proven youth could be the most sustainable path forward.
Hackney, who still has years left on his contract, will not come cheap—but he represents a low-risk, high-ceiling acquisition in an inflated market.
Final Thoughts: Strategic Pursuit or Pricey Gamble?
As the transfer deadline looms, the key question remains: can Everton close the deal before rival suitors force the price up or convince Hackney to leave the country?
The outcome may hinge on Everton’s ability to move decisively. Their pitch is strong—Premier League football, a fresh chapter at a new stadium, and a manager with a proven track record. Whether it’s enough to edge out other bidders will be clear in the coming weeks.
In the words of one GMS source: “It’s not just about money. For Hackney, it’s about where he feels valued, where he sees a role—and where he can grow.”
For Everton, the battle is on. And for Hackney, the next step in his promising career may well lie under the blue lights of Merseyside.
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Godwin Obaje
