“It was always going to be Everton,” says Hayden Hackney after signing a five-year contract with the Blues.
The 24-year-old central midfielder, who was named the 2026-26 Championship Player of the Season for Middlesbrough, is David Moyes’ first signing of the summer.
“I’m delighted to be here,” said Hackney. “As soon as I spoke to the manager, as soon as I knew Everton were interested, to be honest, it was always going to be Everton.
“It’s such a big club, with the new stadium and the direction it’s going in. I just wanted to be part of that.
“The manager’s track record of bringing players from the Championship to the Premier League was a massive part of my decision as well. Hopefully I can be the next one to do it successfully for Everton.
“It feels like a good fit for me, for sure. I think it’s a given that you work hard, you run, you make tackles. I’ll be doing that.
“I think fans can expect a bit of everything from me – attacking and defensively. I think I can carry the ball well, arrive late in the box, and hopefully score some goals. I think there’s plenty more to come from me. Obviously, I haven’t played in the Premier League yet, so once I get used to that I think I can kick on from there.
“It was big for me to get it done before the start of pre-season. I wanted to be here on day one and do the whole pre-season with the lads. I can’t wait for it. It helps with everything. Obviously, it’s a new set of lads who I’ll get used to and then also living down here. I’m delighted.
“There are some unbelievable players here and the competition is going to be tough but I’m ready to get going and to compete.”
A good way to start summer transfer business? How excited are you by Everton’s newest recruit? Do you expect him to have an easy transition into the Premier Legaue?
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