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Everton sign midfielder Hackney from Middlesbrough

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Everton have signed midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough for a fee of at least £16m.

The 24-year-old had one year left on his contract with Boro and leaves the club he joined at Under-10 level after they missed out on promotion to the Premier League last season.

Hackney, the 2025-26 Championship player of the season, helped Middlesbrough reach the play-off final in May, which they lost 1-0 to Hull City.

"I'm delighted to be here," said Hackney, who has joined Everton on a five-year deal.

"As soon as I spoke to the manager [David Moyes], 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."

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