Everton have finalised the acquisition of midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough in a deal that could reach £25m. Concurrently, Tottenham have confirmed the signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for a club-record £85m.
Hackney, who was recognised as the Championship Player of the Season, has committed to a five-year contract with the Merseyside club. This agreement follows weeks of negotiations regarding the transfer fee. Middlesbrough had previously rejected several bids from Everton, holding out for their £25m valuation for the player, who had only 12 months remaining on his contract.
Interest from Crystal Palace reportedly strengthened Middlesbrough’s negotiating position, but Hackney’s clear intention was to join Everton. The initial payment from Everton is £16.5m, with potential add-ons that could increase the total to £25m, including clauses related to Hackney playing for England. Everton are also reportedly close to signing winger Tyrique George from Chelsea.
The former Middlesbrough captain expressed his enthusiasm for the move, stating that once he learned of Everton’s interest and spoke with the manager, joining the club was his clear choice. He highlighted Everton’s status as a significant club, its new stadium, and its future direction as key factors in his decision. Hackney also noted the manager’s history of successfully transitioning players from the Championship to the Premier League as a major influence.
Hackney outlined what fans can expect from his play, mentioning both attacking and defensive contributions. He aims to carry the ball effectively, make late runs into the box, and score goals. He acknowledged that he has not yet played in the Premier League but anticipates further development once he adapts to the league’s demands.
David Moyes, the Everton manager, had previously sought to sign Hackney last summer before shifting his focus to other squad areas. Hackney was part of the England team that secured the European Under-21 Championship in 2025. Moyes described Hackney as a promising young player who has been monitored for some time, expressing his eagerness to work with him.
Moyes also commented on Everton’s successful history of identifying and investing in Championship players who have gone on to perform well for the club, hoping Hackney will follow this trend. He added that Hackney, an England Under-21 international, will enhance midfield competition, a priority for the upcoming season.
Hackney emphasised the importance of completing the transfer before pre-season began, expressing his desire to be present from day one to participate in the entire pre-season training with his new teammates. He believes this early integration will assist in adapting to the new team and living environment. He also acknowledged the high level of competition within the squad but stated his readiness to compete.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have finalised the signing of midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham in a deal valued at £85m, marking a club record. The 21-year-old Portugal international started his career at Sporting and spent the 2024-25 season at Southampton before joining West Ham in August of the previous year.
Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi expressed his long-standing admiration for Fernandes, citing his combination of on-ball quality with the intensity and intelligence crucial to the team’s playing style. De Zerbi also noted Fernandes’s significant Premier League experience and consistent quality despite his age.
Fernandes shared his excitement for this new chapter, recognising Tottenham as a substantial club and highlighting De Zerbi’s influence as a key reason for his decision to join. He mentioned a special conversation with the head coach, noting their shared football philosophy of playing as a strong, combative, and energetic team aiming for victory in every match. Fernandes looks forward to starting, meeting fans, and dedicating himself to the club.
De Zerbi further elaborated on Fernandes’s attributes, including his ability to perform under pressure, progress the ball, work diligently for the team, and demonstrate courage in challenging situations. He believes Tottenham provides an ideal environment for Fernandes’s continued development and is eager to commence working with him.
Hackney’s former club, Middlesbrough, will undoubtedly reflect on the implications of his departure. Had they secured promotion to the Premier League, they might have had a stronger chance of retaining their key player. However, their defeat in the Championship play-off final meant that keeping Hackney, with only a year left on his contract, became improbable. This situation led to the club reluctantly cashing in on their asset.
Hackney had reportedly attracted interest from several top-flight clubs, including Manchester United, Brentford, and Crystal Palace, prior to his move to Everton. His performances in the 2025/26 season were noted, particularly his crucial role in Middlesbrough’s promotion push. The team was positioned second in the table, seven points behind leaders Coventry, after a 1-1 draw with Bristol City on March 14.
However, Hackney missed the final eight games of the season due to a groin injury. During this period, Kim Hellberg’s side accumulated only 10 points, ultimately finishing fifth, four points adrift of eventual runners-up Ipswich. He returned to the bench for the final, coming on with 20 minutes remaining, but was unable to alter the outcome for Middlesbrough.
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Source: theguardian.com
Freya Donnelly is the Sports Reporter at News-UK, covering tennis, cricket and athletics with seven years of reporting experience. She reported on Team GB through an Olympic cycle. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of Brighton and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Brighton, she plays club cricket in the summer. “Listening is the most underrated skill in sports reporting.”
