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Sun 24 May

Why Everton’s pursuit of Hayden Hackney could force out a fan-favorite veteran

James KellettJames Kellett
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Why Everton’s pursuit of Hayden Hackney could force out a fan-favorite veteran
  • Everton have been linked with Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney.
  • The Toffees are reportedly leading the race for the midfielder.
  • David Moyes is hoping to boost the middle of the park this summer.

Everton have been linked with Middlesbrough captain and star Hayden Hackney.

The Blues’ midfield does include some of their finest players such as James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, but an extremely poor end to the season sees the requirement to boost quality in all departments of their squad.

Questions have been poised over the future of some Everton midfielders this summer, and a move for Hackney would certainly shake up this area on the pitch.

The Toffees are now making their interest in the 23-year-old known, which could force out an established veteran.

Idrissa Gana Gueye’s time at Everton could come to an end

Everton are reportedly leading the way for Hackney, according to The Bobble.

Multiple Premier League clubs are battling for his signature, but the England U21 international is impressed by the Blues’ future plans.

Hackney moving to Hill Dickinson Stadium would prove to be somewhat of a statment of intent from David Moyes’ side, with the midfielder proving to be one of the Championship’s most exciting talents.

However, it could also spell the end of Idrissa Gana Gueye’s time on Merseyside.

The Senegalese international’s contract is set to expire this month, and a renewal has still not been confirmed.

There is the potential that he will wait until the end of his FIFA World Cup campaign with his nation, yet it may suggest Moyes is wanting to create a more youthful and fresh team.

Energising signings needed at Hill Dickinson Stadium

Everton’s run-in what was charactertised by sloppy mistakes and lacklustre performances.

Fingers have been pointed at Moyes, with the Scotsman taking fair criticism for his unwillingness to turn to his substitutes bench, and even when he did, the same changes would continue to be made.

But a manager cannot control the sloppy mistakes of his players, and new bodies are sorely needed in his team.

The final matches of the season showed a side in royal blue that looked tired and second to much of the action on the pitch.

So the link to Hackney certainly presents an exciting opportunity, and chance to release the shackles of the underwhelming performances between March and May.

The Middlesbrough star is likely not going to be the only young star on Everton’s shortlist, and it signifies the Toffees are wanting players who can contribute to the long-term future of the club.

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James is a huge Everton fan who has had a season ticket since 2009. He achieved a Gold-Standard NCTJ from News Associates in May 2025 and has freelance experience with PA Media, Warner Bros. and Sportsbeat. His Everton hero is Tim Cahill, and the first player he ever interviewed was Romelu Lukaku.

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