As the transfer deadline looms, Everton are once again at the centre of speculation.
The Toffees have been among the more proactive Premier League sides this summer, with David Moyes overseeing a rebuild designed to inject both quality and long-term stability into the squad.
Jack Grealish’s high-profile switch from Manchester City dominated headlines, and he wasted little time in making his mark at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, registering two assists on his competitive debut in a 2-0 win over Brighton.
Grealish
Everton backed up that performance with a comfortable 2-0 EFL Cup victory over Mansfield Town, further raising optimism among supporters.
Despite those encouraging results, Everton’s league campaign began with a setback - a narrow 1-0 defeat away at Leeds United.
That loss underlined the need for further reinforcements if the club are to mount a genuine push into the top half of the Premier League.
Everton looking to sign another English talent
Moyes has already welcomed the likes of Thierno Barry, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Tyler Dibling into his squad, yet midfield remains an area of focus.
With Abdoulaye Doucouré departing earlier in the summer, a vacancy exists in the heart of Everton’s team.
The Toffees have been linked with a possible reunion between Moyes and Tomas Souček, but there is also a strong suggestion that another deal could be in the works - one that could see Everton land a player reminiscent of club stalwart Gareth Barry.
According to Football Insider, Everton are one of several Premier League clubs weighing up a late move for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
The 23-year-old has told his boyhood club that he would consider leaving if a top-flight opportunity presents itself before the window shuts. Crystal Palace and West Ham are also monitoring developments.
hayden-hackney-middlesbrough
Hackney, described by analyst Ben Mattinson as a “special player,” has been integral to Middlesbrough’s perfect start under new manager Rob Edwards, playing every minute of their three consecutive Championship victories.
He has already contributed a goal and an assist this season, showcasing his ability to influence matches in the final third.
Why Hackney evokes memories of Gareth Barry
For Hackney, the chance to step up into the Premier League could be a natural next step in a career that has already seen him capped 13 times at England U21 level, including as part of the squad that retained the European Championship this summer.
England's Hayden Hackney scores their first goal
England's Hayden Hackney scores their first goal
Marketed at around £10m by Transfermarkt, the youngster would represent an affordable option compared with some of Everton’s other recent investments.
That figure is particularly notable when set against the £42m the club committed to sign winger Dibling from Southampton earlier this week - a move that underlined Moyes’ determination to secure the best emerging English talent.
For Everton fans, however, Hackney’s potential arrival carries echoes of one of the club’s most successful midfield signings of the Premier League era: Gareth Barry.
Gareth Barry Premier League record (timeless)
Like Barry, Hackney is a technically accomplished left-footed midfielder who thrives in dictating tempo, recycling possession, and providing a calm platform for more attacking players to flourish.
Statistically, his numbers suggest a player already capable of making the step-up.
According to FBref, he ranks favourably compared to midfielders in similar divisions to the Championship, sitting in the 99th percentile for progressive passes per 90 (9.92) and the 91st percentile for shot-creating actions (3.80) among players in leagues of Championship equivalence.
Hayden Hackney for Middlesbrough
Hayden Hackney for Middlesbrough
His ability to move the ball forward - whether through incisive passing or by carrying possession himself (97th percentile for progressive carries) - highlights his suitability for Moyes’ system, which increasingly relies on controlled build-up from deep.
Defensively, Hackney also contributes, sitting in the 82nd percentile for blocks (1.54 per 90), which demonstrates an ability to screen effectively and disrupt opposition attacks.
This blend of on-ball quality and off-ball responsibility is precisely what made Barry such a valuable figure during his time at Goodison Park.
Hackney - 2024/25
Matches Played
Minutes Played
Goals
Assists
Progressive Carries
Progressive Passes
Source: FBref
The contrast with Everton’s other major summer signing, Dibling, is instructive.
Whereas Dibling’s profile - marked by elite percentile rankings for dribbles attempted (5.28), fouls drawn (2.49), and dribblers tackled (61.5%) - reflects the skillset of an explosive wide player, Hackney offers a quieter but equally crucial influence.
He would provide structure and control from midfield, knitting phases of play together and giving Everton stability in possession.
Tyler-Dibling-Southampton
This dual-pronged approach of flair on the flanks combined with composure and tempo in midfield is central to Moyes’ vision of a balanced squad.
Hackney would not only cover the void left by Doucouré’s departure but also give Everton something they have lacked in recent years: a metronomic midfielder capable of dictating rhythm against stubborn opponents.
Much like Barry did during his four-year spell at the club, Hackney could serve as the understated yet indispensable figure around whom others operate.
His consistency at Middlesbrough - 43 appearances last season, contributing five goals and three assists - shows a player with the reliability and endurance to take on such a role at the top level.
With a market value of £10m, Hackney represents both a relatively low-risk and potentially transformative addition.
His signing would also reinforce Everton’s emerging identity as a club investing in technically proficient English players who could form the core of the team for years to come.
With the window set to close on Monday, Everton must act swiftly if they are to secure Hackney’s signature ahead of their rivals.
For the player himself, the lure of the Premier League and the chance to develop under Moyes could prove decisive.