Hayden Hackney officially signs for Everton

Manchester United have made strengthening the midfield one of their priorities this summer as Michael Carrick continues shaping his squad for a return to Champions League football.

The club have already explored several options across Europe.

INEOS have cast a wide net during the transfer window, with multiple names discussed internally as United look to build for both the present and the future.

While some targets remain firmly in contention, others have gradually slipped away as rival clubs moved quicker to secure agreements.

One player admired at Old Trafford has now officially chosen a different Premier League destination.

Everton complete signing of Hayden Hackney

Everton have confirmed, via their website, the signing of Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, with the central midfielder putting pen to paper on a five-year contract that will keep him at Goodison Park’s new era until June 2031.

The transfer fee has not been disclosed, although Middlesbrough had previously rejected offers believed to be worth around £7 million and later £18 million before both clubs eventually reached a compromise.

Hayden Hackney, who celebrated his 24th birthday last week, arrives after an outstanding campaign in which he captained his hometown club and was crowned Championship Player of the Season following an impressive 2025/26 season.

His performances had attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, with Manchester United among those monitoring his progress.

Carrick was understood to be a strong admirer of the midfielder after working closely with him during his time at Middlesbrough and had identified him as the type of player capable of strengthening United’s midfield options.

Despite that interest, Everton won the race for his signature, making Hackney David Moyes’ first signing of the 2026 summer transfer window.

Speaking after completing the move, the midfielder explained why Everton quickly became his preferred destination.

“I’m delighted to be here. As soon as I spoke to the manager, as soon as I knew Everton were interested, to be honest, 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.”

Hayden Hackney also admitted Moyes’ history of developing Championship players into established Premier League footballers played a major role in his decision.

“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.”

The former Middlesbrough captain believes his style of play will suit life in the top flight.

“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.”

“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.”

Hackney was also pleased to complete the transfer before pre-season officially gets underway.

“It was big for me to get it done before the start of pre-season. I wanted to be here on day one and do the whole pre-season with the lads.

“I can’t wait for it. It helps with everything. Obviously, it’s a new set of lads who I’ll get used to and then also living down here. I’m delighted.”

Hackney progressed through Middlesbrough’s academy before becoming one of the Championship’s standout midfielders, and his rise has now earned him the opportunity to test himself in the Premier League.

While United admired his qualities and Carrick remained a long-time supporter of the midfielder, Everton ultimately secured the deal before the Red Devils could make a formal move.