Everton’s style of play over the last few years has been very much geared towards keeping the ball out of the net, quite simply.
Sean Dyche, particularly, played a very pragmatic style which focused on the defensive side of the game, rather than coaching attacking patterns.
David Moyes was able to bring a more attractive brand of football, but there were still limitations to what he could achieve with the quality of players available to him.
Goals have been Everton’s main issue, so the Scotsman is eager to add much more quality to his attacking ranks, with Thierno Barry close to joining the Toffees.
And now, judging by the midfielder Moyes is keen on signing, it seems there could be a change of style ahead of the new 2025/26 Premier League season.
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Everton targeting Hayden Hackney shows David Moyes has new ideas
Everton are exploring a deal to sign Hayden Hackney from Championship outfit Middlesbrough this summer transfer window.
What’s fascinating about this particular target is that Hackney’s strengths revolve solely around dictating the tempo and being that deep-lying playmaker, like an Adam Wharton at Crystal Palace, for example.
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The 23-year-old is statistically one of the best passers in the Championship, but defensively, his numbers aren’t great.
Everton have placed great emphasis on having dynamic and athletic ball-winners in midfield, but clearly the potential signing of Hackney indicates that Moyes is looking to maintain more control and dominate possession.
The Boro midfielder was part of England under-21s European Championship triumph this summer and was coached in a possession-based set-up by Lee Carsley.
So he’ll have a strong tactical understanding of the game, which will be valuable to the Toffees, if indeed they can strike an agreement.
How much do Middlesbrough want for Hayden Hackney
Hackney is being watched by several Premier League clubs and some on the continent, too. Here are the interested parties.
Everton
West Ham United
Fulham
Brentford
Porto
Bayer Leverkusen
Stuttgart
Evidently, given the significant interest in his signature, a bidding war could ensue, but even then, it’s being rumoured that Boro could sanction his sale for around £20m.
That’s certainly a feasible deal to do for the cash-rich Toffees, with the Friedkins willing to hand Moyes a substantial budget now that the new financial year is upon us.