While it had seemed that Everton‘s talks with Middlesbrough for midfielder Hayden Hackney had stalled after the Toffees’ initial approach had been rebuffed, it appears negotiations have continued and the two sides have agreed on a deal now.
As is being reported by multiple media sources including trusted Merseyside football correspondent Paul Joyce, the two sides have agreed on a £16.5 million initial transfer fee, which could rise with further add-ons of £5m on appearances and £3m linked to potential
Champions League and England games.
The player is still fairly young, having turned 24 just a few days ago, but has ample experience from several campaigns in the Championship. The Redcar-born midfielder has started 81 second-tier games over the past two seasons, which has seen him rise to prominence as Boro’s star man. Understandably, the North East club’s academy product would dearly have loved to play in the Premier League with the Teesiders, but defeat to Hull City in the playoff final last month ended that dream.
Entering into the final year of his contract, and with Hackney clearly ready for the step up, his departure was inevitable, and with the Blues acting quickly this summer, they’ve finally got their man, for a price which looks pretty good. The former England under-21 international was named EFL Championship Player of the Season back in April, and is an undoubted talent, who could still improve. A clever passer, who is adept at finding space and carries the ball well, he’s a versatile player who has been deployed in a deep role and also as a number eight.
He’s not a conventional holding midielder, who will spray long passes across the pitch, but is more of a progressive player who will look to carry it forward, combining intelligently with teamates via one-twos. At Everton, he’ll likely be deployed alongside a more disclipined defensive midfielder, who will allow Hackney to join the attack.
Statistics provided courtesy of transfermarkt.com
