Everton receive major boost as dream signing says 'yes' to summer move

Updated: 5 Jun 2026 16:17 BST | 5 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

Everton have received a major boost ahead of the summer transfer window after learning Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney wants to join them, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

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Hackney has established himself as one of England's most promising young players after emerging through Boro’s youth system in January 2021, scoring 16 goals in 154 appearances and winning the Championship Player of the Season award for 2025-26.

The 23-year-old also helped England retain their UEFA European Under-21 Championship title last summer, providing the assist for Harvey Elliot’s winner in the 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the semi-finals.

STATS

Hayden Hackney

DM, M (C)

Boro

Hayden Hackney

DM, M (C)

Boro

41

Games
6

Goals
7

Assists

However, Hackney is being strongly linked with a move away from Boro after his boyhood club missed out on Premier League promotion following the 1-0 loss to Hull City in the playoff final at Wembley Stadium.

The Northern Echo reported earlier this week that Michael Carrick was interested in a reunion with Hackney at Manchester United, having managed him at Middlesbrough between 2022 and 2025.

However, according to The Athletic’s Ornstein, while United appreciate the deep-lying playmaker, they are prioritising other targets in their quest to revamp their midfield ahead of the 2026-27 season.

And transfer specialist Ornstein says Hackney - who has just 12 months left on his Boro contract - has now made Everton his preferred destination ahead of fellow Premier League suitors Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.

While Ornstein states talks have yet to take place with Boro, Everton may look to pounce on the opportunity to provide James Garner with a younger midfield partner for next season.

The Toffees mostly paired Garner with Idrissa Gueye last season, but the Senegal international - who turns 37 in September - could become a free agent after he failed to make the necessary number of starts to trigger a mandatory one-year contract extension, as per The Athletic.

STATS

James Garner

DM (C)

Everton

James Garner

DM (C)

Everton

41

Games
3

Goals
7

Assists

Everton also have central midfield duo Tim Iroegbunam and Merlin Rohl on the books, with the latter set to join on a permanent basis after the club retained their Premier League status in 2025-26, thus triggering the €20million (£17.3m) obligation-to-buy clause that was inserted in his loan move from Bundesliga side SC Freiburg.

However, Rohl was deployed on the right-hand side of Everton’s attack towards the end of last season, while the tough-tackling Iroegbunam has attracted interest from Serie A side Lazio in the past.

Everton also interested in signing Wan-Bissaka from relegated West Ham

A separate report from The Telegraph claims Everton are also interested in signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka following West Ham United’s relegation to the Championship, with the right-back valued at €11.5m (£10m).

Current ETV

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

D, M (R)

West Ham

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

D, M (R)

West Ham

ETV Range

€22.2M - €27.1M

The Merseysiders have neglected strengthening the right-hand side of their defence for several years, with Jake O’Brien - a 6ft 6in centre-back by trade - having operated in that position for the last 18 months.

Everton are also believed to be monitoring Strasbourg right-back Guela Doue, 23, and Arsenal's Ben White, 28, according to The Athletic.

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Read more about: Premier League Championship Boro C. Palace Everton Man Utd Tottenham West Ham Aaron Wan-Bissaka Hayden Hackney Idrissa Gueye Jake O'Brien James Garner Merlin Röhl Tim Iroegbunam