Everton boss David Moyes is in the market for a midfielder this summer.
There is a pressing need to overhaul Everton’s midfield ranks following the departures of Abdoulaye Doucoure and Orel Mangala.
Germany under-21 international Merlin Rohl is on Moyes’ radar and is thought he could be signed for around £17m.
The Toffees are also interested in Douglas Luiz, who is expected to leave Italian giants Juventus this summer.
There’s now a fresh transfer rumour emerging as Everton have made checks on Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney.
Everton News have spoken to Boro expert Josh Barker, who writes for EFL Analysis, to get the lowdown on Hackney and what he could bring to Moyes’ side.
- READ MORE: David Moyes’ latest move indicates Everton could be about to change their style of play
What kind of player is Hayden Hackney?
“Hayden Hackney is perhaps the biggest talent to come out of Middlesbrough’s academy for several years,” Barker explained.
“He’s an extremely proficient creator who loves to progress play with his defence-splitting through balls and tendency to pick up the ball from deep and drive toward the opposition box.
“Hackney has largely been used in a sitting midfield role for Boro, but he definitely thrives higher up the pitch.
His ability to operate in tight spaces and his ball control allow him to carve out room and create something out of nothing, even under heavy pressure. He’s really come into his own at Boro over the last year, shining in a number of games when Middlesbrough, on the whole, were struggling.”
Would Hackney be a good signing for Everton?
“It really depends what Everton are looking for in a midfielder,” he admitted.
“If they want someone to constantly sit deep and defend, there are probably better defensive-minded options out there, but if Hackney is allowed to play with freedom and roam forward, he’ll definitely produce some moments of magic, either via a killer through ball or a long-ranger effort of his own.”
What’s his potential?
“I would say Hackney is ready for top-flight football.
“To be honest, I’m surprised Middlesbrough have been able to keep hold of him for this long, but I think that’s had something to do with the fact he’s a local lad and hasn’t really been pushing for a move despite all the interest from the Premier League and Europe over the last year or so.”
What are his weaknesses?
“I think Hackney’s main weakness comes when looking at the defensive side of his game.
“He’s a reactive defender and while he’s more than happy to chase down the opposition and cut out passing lanes, he is somewhat inefficient at doing so, which I think was reflected in Middlesbrough’s pretty poor defensive record this season as they were without a quality defensive midfielder for much of 2024/25.”
