'I'm delighted to be here' - Hayden Hackney joins Everton from Middlesbrough

The 24-year-old became David Moyes' first signing of the current transfer window after choosing Everton despite interest from several other clubs. Hackney believed the club's ambitions and the manager's faith in Championship talent made the decision an easy one.

"I'm delighted to be here," Hackney said after completing the move.

"As soon as I spoke to the manager and knew Everton were interested, 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."

Hackney said Moyes' record of helping Championship players establish themselves in the Premier League also played a major role in his decision.

"The manager's track record of bringing players from the Championship to the Premier League was a massive part of my decision. Hopefully I can be the next one to do it successfully for Everton."

The central midfielder enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign with his hometown club Middlesbrough, captaining the side and earning the Championship Player of the Season award before securing his move to Merseyside.

Describing his playing style, Hackney promised Everton supporters plenty of energy and commitment.

"I think it's a given that you work hard, you run and you make tackles," he said. "Fans can expect a bit of everything from me, attacking and defensively. I can carry the ball well, arrive late in the box and hopefully score some goals. I believe there's plenty more to come from me."

Hackney was also pleased to complete the transfer before pre-season began.

"It was big for me to get it done before the start of pre-season. I wanted to be here on day one, get to know the lads and settle in. I'm delighted."

Everton manager David Moyes welcomed his new signing and believes Hackney has the qualities to succeed in the Premier League.

"Hayden is a promising young player who we've been tracking for some time, and I'm looking forward to working with him," Moyes said.

"We've had a track record of identifying players in the Championship who have gone on to do really well for us. We hope that will be the case with Hayden too.

"He's an England Under-21 international who will provide greater competition in midfield, which is something I wanted going into the new season."