Overview
- Everton confirmed the signing on Thursday after weeks of talks, making Hackney their first announced summer arrival and the player is due to join pre-season training.
- Reports say the fee is about £16–16.5m up front with performance-related add-ons taking the package toward £24–25m and Middlesbrough securing a future sell-on clause.
- Hackney leaves after 14 years at Boro and one year remaining on his contract; he was the 2025/26 Championship Player of the Year and captained Middlesbrough last season.
- The player cited David Moyes’ record of developing Championship talent and Everton’s project as key reasons for choosing the club over other Premier League suitors.
- Middlesbrough will use the immediate income and the sell-on protection as part of summer rebuilding plans, while Everton add a ball-carrying central midfielder to increase competition in the squad.