Hayden Hackney
EVE
Center Midfielder
Creative Playmaker
Jun 26, 2002 (24)
Right
5'10"
154 lb
Earns rotational spot
Hackney has started in one of his five appearances to open up the season.
Analysis: Hackney looked to be in for a solid role this season after starting the season opener, but has only seen a drop in minutes since then, earning less and less time as each match passes. He would only come on for a minute in his last appearances, although he did have an assist in one of his appearances from the bench. He does remain a bench option for the club, unlikely to be rostered now, but a potential waiver option if injuries occur in the midfield for the Toffees.
Impresses in season opener
Hackney registered one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Hackney marked his Everton debut in Saturday's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace with two crosses, one corner, one tackle won and one interception across his 79 minutes, contributing to the midfield control that allowed Everton to dominate proceedings. The midfielder's impressive pre-season earned him his starting opportunity and his ability to contribute in both defensive and creative phases gives coach David Moyes a versatile and energetic central option to build around throughout the 2026-27 campaign.
Signs for Everton on five-year deal
Hackney has joined Everton from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee on a five-year contract until June 2031, the club announced.
Analysis: Hackney captained Middlesbrough throughout the 2025/26 Championship campaign and was named Championship Player of the Season after a standout individual campaign that attracted interest from multiple clubs. Hackney won the UEFA European U21 Championship with England in 2025 and made 13 appearances for the Young Lions, and expressed his excitement at becoming manager David Moyes' first summer signing, citing the manager's track record of successfully bringing players from the Championship to the Premier League as a key factor in his decision. Moyes described Hackney as a promising young England U21 international who will provide greater competition in midfield, adding to Everton's history of identifying Championship talent that has gone on to perform well at the top level.
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