Everton is finalizing a deal to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney for a fee potentially rising to £25 million, as advanced negotiations progressed significantly on Monday.
The move aims to secure the reigning Championship Player of the Season before pre-season training begins.
>>> Heavy AI Infrastructure Spending Weighs on Microsoft Stock Performance
Deal Structure
According to reports from The Athletic and The Telegraph, the Merseyside club agreed to an initial fee of £16.5 million.
Additional performance-related add-ons include £5 million based on appearances, alongside £3 million tied to England national team recognition and Champions League qualification.
Middlesbrough previously rejected at least three bids from Everton for the 24-year-old academy graduate, who has one year remaining on his contract.
Hackney preferred a move to Goodison Park despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Crystal Palace.
>>> Broadcom Stock Drops 11% Amid Historical Market Crash Risks
Player Profile
The midfielder registered six goals and eight assists across the 2025-26 season, helping Middlesbrough reach the Championship play-off final where they lost 1-0 to Hull City at Wembley.
Hackney suffered a groin injury during the final weeks of the regular season but returned for the play-off final.
Everton manager David Moyes targeted Hackney to reinforce the midfield amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the futures of Idrissa Gueye and Tim Iroegbunam.
>>> Zeeland Police Chief Tim de Kraker Suspended Amid Internal Investigation
If finalized this week, Hackney will avoid returning to Middlesbrough's pre-season training on Thursday before their upcoming camp in Portugal.
