Everton really need to fix their midfield. Right now, they are looking ahead to the summer transfer window of 2026. A new report from Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider says Fulham just joined the hunt for Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney. He’s been getting a lot of attention from several big English clubs lately.
Everton and Fulham Join the Race for Hayden Hackney
Journalist Pete O’Rourke talked about this on the Transfer Insider podcast. He mentioned that Fulham are now going up against Manchester United, Leeds United, and Everton to sign the Teesside local. Hackney almost moved to Ipswich Town last summer, but he decided to stay with his childhood club. He wanted to help them get back into the Premier League.
That loyalty paid off. The midfielder has been a huge part of the team in the second tier this season. Middlesbrough are doing well in the promotion race, which makes a transfer a bit tricky. O’Rourke thinks the Championship side feel good about keeping their star if they actually go up.
If they don’t make it, expect a massive bidding war. Everton remain very interested in him. At the same time, the club are looking for any new talent that can help out in the middle of the pitch.
“Hayden Hackney’s future is going to be the subject of intense speculation again this summer.”
“It was last summer, when he came very close to leaving Middlesbrough before he eventually turned down a move to Ipswich.”
“There were a number of clubs looking at him, but Middlesbrough did really well to keep hold of him, and they’ve been really rewarded because Hackney’s been the driving force behind their promotion bid to the Premier League.”
“Middlesbrough won’t want to lose Hackney. If they were to win promotion to the Premier League, then they would be quite hopeful that they could keep hold of the England Under-21 midfielder.”
“If they don’t win promotion to the Premier League, it’s going to be a real hard battle to keep hold of him. You’ll have Leeds, a lot of other Premier League clubs, (such as) Everton, like Hayden Hackney.”
“There’s even been talk that Manchester United could be interested… Fulham are admirers of the player as well.”
Could Hackney replace the veterans in the Everton midfield?
Hayden Hackney turned 23 last June and is a key player for the England Under-21 team. He fits exactly what David Moyes wants for the long-term at Everton. The current squad needs younger players who can keep up with a high-intensity game.
The midfielder is elegant on the ball and disciplined. These traits help him play as a deep playmaker or a classic box-to-box player. Everton have to do something about their ageing midfield. Idrissa Gana Gueye is 36 now and reaching the final stages of his career.
Hackney is a great fit. He’s good defensively but can also score, with four goals and six assists already this season. Manchester United and Fulham have more money, but Everton can offer Hackney a starting spot right away.
Their style works well for tough, technical midfielders. Everton should see this £30 million price tag as a smart move. It’s better than staying stuck in the middle of the table for another year.
