Everton and Middlesbrough Clash Over £20m Hackney Deal

Everton have entered negotiations with Middlesbrough for midfielder Hayden Hackney. Middlesbrough have rejected Everton’s £12 million and £15 million offers and are demanding a flat £20 million fee. Everton’s latest proposal totals £18 million, structured as £11 million upfront plus £7 million in add‑ons.

Crystal Palace are also linked with Hackney, offering the prospect of Europa League football. Hackney has twelve months remaining on his contract with Middlesbrough. Everton’s board has reportedly re‑established formal contact with Middlesbrough after weeks of silence.

David Moyes is seeking midfield reinforcement after Everton finished thirteenth last season. Idrissa Gueye’s contract expires this month, and Tim Iroegbunam has attracted interest from other clubs. Youngster Isaac Heath has already moved to Cambridge United.

Hayden Hackney is described as a box‑to‑box operator who reads danger early and tackles aggressively. He was named Championship Player of the Year. Kiernan Dewsbury‑Hall exemplifies the type of technically sharp, physically robust midfielder Moyes prefers.

A calf injury sustained in March 2026 is still affecting Hackney, according to medical reports. The lingering issue raises concerns over spending £20 million on a player with a potential physical defect. Middlesbrough argue the injury justifies protecting their asset.

Sources close to the deal suggest an agreement could be reached in the coming week. Everton may need to lower the guaranteed fee and increase performance‑related add‑ons to satisfy Middlesbrough. The outcome will determine whether Hackney joins Everton’s squad.

A photograph of Hackney taken during a Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and Charlton Athletic was captured by Stu Forster. The image shows Hackney in action at Riverside Stadium on 11 March 2026.