Everton have completed the signing of Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough on a five-year contract, while remaining close to securing a permanent deal for Chelsea winger Tyrique George.
Hackney seals £25m switch
The Toffees have paid an initial £16.5m for the midfielder, with add-ons that could take the total fee to £25m. The 24-year-old was named the Championship player of the year last season and becomes David Moyes’s latest recruit from England’s second tier.
Middlesbrough had rejected several earlier bids and held out for their £25m valuation, with interest from Crystal Palace strengthening their negotiating position. However, Hackney was intent on joining Everton despite having only 12 months remaining on his contract at the Riverside Stadium.
Hackney, who won the European Under-21 Championship with England in 2025, said his mind was made up once Moyes expressed interest. “As soon as I spoke to the manager, as soon as I knew Everton were interested, it was always going to be Everton,” he said. “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.”
The midfielder highlighted the manager’s track record of developing Championship players as a key factor in his decision. “Hopefully I can be the next one to do it successfully for Everton,” 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.”
Moyes revealed he had attempted to sign Hackney last summer before turning his attention elsewhere. “Hayden is a promising young player who we’ve been tracking for some time,” the manager said. “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.”
George return nears
Negotiations are advancing for George to return to Goodison Park permanently. The 20-year-old made 11 appearances after joining on loan from Chelsea in February, and Moyes is eager to retain his services.
Although Everton declined to activate a £25m option included in the original loan agreement, talks have progressed on a revised structure. The deal is expected to involve an upfront payment of less than £25m, with performance-related add-ons bringing the total closer to Chelsea’s initial valuation.
George’s potential arrival would provide further creativity on the flanks as Everton prepare for the new campaign, while Hackney adds competition to a midfield that required reinforcement.