Lots to like about Hayden Hackney's recruitment, fan says

Everton have formalized the arrival of midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, a transfer which arouses the enthusiasm of part of the club's public. Interviewed on BBC Radio Merseyside, supporter Mark Staniford summed up the general feeling: “there is a lot to like” about this recruitment. According to Staniford, the operation, announced for a “relatively low” amount of around 16 million pounds, appears to be a good catch for the Toffees.

Hackney arrives on the English coast on the back of a remarkable 2025-26 season in the Championship. He has made 154 appearances for Middlesbrough and scored 16 goals for the club, and was voted Championship player of the season in 2025-26. His campaign saw Boro reach the play-off final, losing 1-0 to Hull City. These statistics and accolades explain the interest shown by Everton and the optimism of supporters about his potential.

Mark Staniford praised the player's profile: “He tore up the Championship last season and was voted the best player. I'm not sure he's a top priority, maybe it's more a question of timing: we thought 'he's available, we can hire him'. » The fan also put into perspective the possible exit of an element of experience from the midfielder: “With the rumors around Idrissa Gueye who would not sign a new contract, we would lose a head of experience in the middle. Hackney is bright, he’s a young prospect, he can score goals, he can set foot. Lots to like about this recruitment. »

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In his speech, Staniford finally emphasizes the value for money: “In the end, it is not a huge sum, which is also a positive point. » This type of transaction – a young player in the Championship attracting a Premier League club for a moderate sum – corresponds to a recruitment strategy aimed at strengthening the squad without spending massively.

For Everton, the challenge will now be to integrate Hackney into an already composed squad and to compensate for any lost experience if the rumors concerning Gueye are confirmed. For Hackney, the rise to the Premier League represents an opportunity to confirm its revelation status and take a step forward after an individually crowned season in the Championship.

Statuses and reported amounts come from public statements and the intervention of Mark Staniford on BBC Radio Merseyside. No additional contractual details (duration, clauses) have been communicated in these elements.

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