"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.
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.
4 months ago
