Everton has secured its first signing of the summer transfer window, bringing in midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough.
The deal was completed on July 2, 2026, for a reported fee of approximately £16 million.
The 24-year-old Teesside native joins the Toffees after an outstanding season in the Championship.
Hackney was named the division's Player of the Year for the 2025/26 campaign, having scored five goals and provided seven assists in 38 starts.
Hackney has also earned 13 caps for the England under-21 national team, scoring once.
His performances attracted interest from several clubs before he opted for a move to Goodison Park.
Speaking about his transfer, Hackney said: "It feels like a good fit for me, for sure.
I think it's a given that you work hard, you run, you make tackles. I'll be doing that."
He added: "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.
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."
The central midfielder is expected to bolster Everton's squad ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.
Hackney's arrival marks the first addition to the team this summer as the club looks to strengthen its options in midfield.
