Hayden Hackney's Middlesbrough career appears to be nearing an end
15:31, 29 Jun 2026
Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough
Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough
Hayden Hackney is nearing a move to Everton after the Premier League club dramatically improved their offer for the Middlesbrough star.
Though a deal isn't understood to be quite agreed yet, it's understood that the two clubs are getting closer to an agreement, and the expectation is that one will be reached for around £25million plus potential further add-ons,
Boro had previously rejected three offers from the Toffees, but talks continued over Hackney, who won the Championship Player of the Year award last term.
While Boro were adamant they would only sell the midfield star if their valuation was met, it always felt likely that he would move on this summer after Boro missed out on Premier League promotion.
Boro accepted an offer in the region of £20m last summer from Ipswich Town, but Hackney rejected the move in favour of staying on Teesside to try and achieve his promotion dream with his boyhood club.
Now though, there was an appreciation all round that it is the right time for Hackney to look to push his career on and make the jump to the Premier League, after his stellar award-winning campaign in which he got five goals and six assists.
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Hackney had numerous Premier League clubs showing interest this summer, but Everton are the club who have pushed hardest all summer.
For Boro, while reluctant to lose such a valuable player, his contract situation left them in a position where, at such a price, their hands are somewhat tied.
Options to replace Hackney if he leaves have long since been identified, while the fee, which will represent pure profit in terms of SCR calculations, can be invested in other areas of strengthening Kim Hellberg’s squad too.
Boro are closing in on signing Hull City striker Kyle Joseph for around £5m, while Lewis Dobbin is also a player who features on their shortlists this summer, though he has plenty of suitors.
Hackney’s exit would likely mean Boro have to sign two central midfielders this summer, while at least one senior goalkeeper is needed along with a new left-back. More attacking players are wanted too as Boro look to provide Hellberg with the tools to mount a serious promotion challenge in the new campaign.
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