Abdulhafiz TeslimEverton are keeping tabs on Hayden Hackney ahead of a potential summer move from Middlesbrough.
The Englishman is coming off the back of a hugely frustrating end to the season after Boro missed out on the Championship play-offs. A controversial defeat to Southampton denied them a place at Wembley, while the latest “Spygate” scandal continues to swirl around the second tier.
There is still plenty of controversy surrounding the Saints, but for now, Kim Hellberg’s side are preparing for another season away from the Premier League.
That could come as music to Everton’s ears as they continue to monitor Hackney following a stellar individual campaign at the Riverside.
Middlesbrough set for Hayden Hackney payday
It has become a regular occurrence in recent years for the Championship Player of the Year winner to miss out on promotion in the same season.
Hackney has followed names such as Gustavo Hamer, Crysencio Summerville and Chuba Akpom in winning the award without securing a Premier League return.
The 2026 winner now faces an uncertain future at the Riverside, with interest expected to intensify over the coming weeks and months.
Former Everton scout Bryan King believes his old club will be interested as Middlesbrough look to raise funds after a disappointing end to the campaign.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, King said:
> “I think he’d be a good signing and an interesting player to bring in.
They’ve got a good chairman in Steve Gibson at Middlesbrough, he’s a shrewd man. It’s a great opportunity for them to cash in.
> “Of course Hackney will be on Everton’s radar — he’s an Everton-type player, that’s for sure.”
Hackney has been linked with Everton throughout the campaign, and this summer could present the perfect opportunity to make a move.
How good could Hackney be for Everton?
The 23-year-old has been a regular in the North East since breaking into the Middlesbrough first team in 2022 following a productive loan spell at Scunthorpe United.
That experience has served him well, and four years later he has established himself as arguably the best player in the Championship.
Hackney registered 12 goal involvements during the campaign, while also creating 83 chances and taking 98 shots.
He also contributes defensively, recording 120 defensive actions and winning 186 duels — statistics that perfectly highlight his all-action style of play.
With that complete skill set, Hackney could prove to be an ideal signing for Everton if they can get a deal over the line this summer.
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Abdulhafiz Teslim
