Everton manager David Moyes smiling during a Premier League game while looking at Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney who is smiling during a Cham...
Credit: Imago
Cameron Smith
Tue 2 June 2026 8:04, UK
Everton are looking to strengthen after a dismal end to the 2025-26 season.
After spending large parts of the term in the race for Europe, the Toffees were blown out of the battle after the international break.
Picking up three points from their final seven, David Moyes’ side would limp over the line – falling to Tottenham on the final day.
As a result, the pressure has mounted on Moyes, who simply has to deliver next term.
And looking to that, they may have a head start over their rivals, with the Blues reportedly in pole position to land Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
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Everton shock emerges in fresh Hayden Hackney update
Named as the Championship Player of the Season, Hackney proved incredible as Boro reached the playoff final.
Following the 1-0 defeat to Hull, the midfielder has been linked with multiple Premier League clubs, including Tottenham and Manchester United.
Hayden Hackney 2025-26 Championship stats
Appearances 38
Goals 5
Assists 7
Successful passes (%) 2,103 (86.5%
Accurate long balls (%) 70 (57.4%)
Chances created 83
Successful dribbles 54
Touches 3,247
Now, a fresh report from David Ornstein has emerged, indicating that the Toffees are the side leading the race to secure the signing this summer, with Hackney himself favouring a move to Merseyside.
🚨 Everton currently lead race to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough. Coveted midfielder favours #EFC & if preference confirmed, club talks will follow. #THFC + #CPFC also high among contenders. #MUFC like 23yo but not expected to pursue @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/4zUeH40c3C
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 2, 2026
With the ongoing Everton reset in mind, Hackney is not set to cost an arm and a leg.
As per the report, his signature could well be good value for money, with just 12 months left on his contract, while he is expected to leave for a lower fee after Middlesbrough missed out on promotion.
Hayden Hackney signature may be a huge statement for Everton
At the back end of the campaign, the Toffees struggled to match their pre-international break form.
During this period, the holes in Moyes’ squad were exposed, while his own stubbornness at times led the Scotsman to stick with his trusted favourites despite their poor form.
In Hackney, there is serious long-term value, helping to build on a side that showed glimpses throughout the season, but ultimately limped to the finish line.
Everton's final seven games of 2025-2026 season
Credit: Breaking Media
With the season’s end in mind, it has been clear for months that summer reinforcements are needed.
Hackney is not just a statement for the window as a whole, but a real show of intent in the early stages.
For players set to come in ahead of next term, such a coup early on could be the factor to convince targets that the Toffees do mean business, and are looking to throw themselves back among the continental race.
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