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.
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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."
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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.
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Hackney's arrival marks the first addition to the team this summer as the club looks to strengthen its options in midfield.
