Everton completed the signing of midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough on July 2, 2026, in a deal worth up to £25 million.
Tottenham Hotspur secured West Ham's Mateus Fernandes for a club-record £85 million on the same day.
The Merseyside club finalized a five-year contract with Hackney, the reigning Championship player of the year, following weeks of fee negotiations.
Middlesbrough initially rejected multiple bids before accepting an initial £16.5 million payment that includes performance-related add-ons.
Hackney chose Everton despite competing transfer interest from Crystal Palace, citing discussions with the manager and the club's future trajectory as decisive factors.
"As soon as I spoke to the manager, as soon as I knew Everton were interested, it was always going to be Everton.
It’s such a big club, with the new stadium and the direction it’s going in. I just wanted to be part of that," said Hackney.
"The manager’s track record of bringing players from the Championship to the Premier League was a massive part of my decision as well.
Hopefully I can be the next one to do it successfully for Everton," he added.
The former Middlesbrough captain intends to contribute to both defensive and attacking phases once he adapts to the top flight.
"I think fans can expect a bit of everything from me – attacking and defensively.
I think I can carry the ball well, arrive late in the box, and hopefully score some goals," said Hackney.
"I think there’s plenty more to come from me.
Obviously, I haven’t played in the Premier League yet, so once I get used to that I think I can kick on from there," he added.
Everton manager David Moyes, who previously tracked the England Under-21 international last summer, expressed confidence in the midfielder's potential to strengthen squad competition.
"Hayden is a promising young player who we’ve been tracking for some time, and I’m looking forward to working with him.
We’ve had a track record over the years of identifying players in the Championship who have gone on to do really well for us and been good investments.
We hope that will be the case with Hayden, too," said Moyes.
The manager noted that the acquisition fits into the club's established strategy of developing talented individuals from the lower divisions.
"He’s an England Under-21 international who will provide greater competition in midfield, which is something I wanted going into the new season," said Moyes.
Tottenham's Record Signing
Tottenham Hotspur finalized an £85 million deal for 21-year-old Portugal international Mateus Fernandes, who joined West Ham last August after earlier stints at Sporting and Southampton.
Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi praised the midfielder's tactical intelligence and direct experience playing in the Premier League.
"I’ve admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play.
Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level," said De Zerbi.
Fernandes stated that shared footballing philosophies with the head coach strongly influenced his decision to move to North London.
"I’m very excited for this next step.
Spurs is a massive club and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join.
When we spoke it was very special.
We look at football in the same way – going on to the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game.
I can’t wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the club," said Fernandes.
De Zerbi emphasized that the club provides an optimal environment for the young player to sustain his professional progression.
"Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments.
I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I’m excited to start working with him," said De Zerbi.
