Everton have completed the signing of 24-year-old midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough in a deal worth around £24m.
Hackney, who was named Championship Player of the Season, racked up 11 goal contributions in 39 appearances for the North Yorkshire side this season.
Despite interest from Crystal Palace, Spurs and Manchester United, Hackney put pen to paper for a five-year contract on Merseyside.
With the introduction of yet another central midfielder, David Moyes has plenty to pick from, but perhaps that means some will be heading for the exits as roles become less certain.
Will Everton need a midfield refresh?
Yesterday, Idrissa Gana Gueye's contract expired, and despite Everton announcing both player and club were still in talks, the likelihood of the Senegalese midfielder staying at L3 is decreasing.
Despite not being brought in to be a direct replacement, a midfield re-shuffle might be on the cards. Moyes seems to be decreasing the average age in the midfield, introducing plenty of fresh legs into the side. More is set to follow, as Everton are conversing with Chelsea regarding the possibility of a permanent transfer for Tyrique George.
What can Hackney bring?
Hackney was not employed as a deep-lying, disciplined ball winner, unlike Idrissa Gana Gueye. During turnovers of possession is where the Englishman really thrives, which points to a role closer to Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
During the 2025/26 Championship season, Middlesbrough won the ball approximately 3.9 times per 90 in the final third, with Hackney picking up the ball the most. In the Premier League, only Manchester City and Brighton averaged more high turnovers than the Toffees.
The expectation is for the midfield duo of James Garner and Hayden Hackney to be implemented on a consistent basis. Both players' instincts, as seen this season, are to rush and press the opposition midfielder from an initial defensive position. If both press, space behind will be created and, in the Premier League, will be exploited.
Perhaps it would be more beneficial to the Toffees if Gueye were to sign a new deal, as the holding defensive role would be filled by the athletic 36-year-old.
A long-term project
This signing seems one of the pieces in Everton's long-term growth. Hackney's similarity to Dewsbury-Hall may mean the Redcar-born midfielder will not be deployed in a favoured position.
There is no doubt Hackney will be a fantastic signing, but at the moment it is hard to see what vacant role the 24-year-old will fill in this Everton side.