Everton’s hope for best-case Hayden Hackney scenario after new Middlesbrough concerns
Middlesbrough’s loss to Coventry City on Monday gives Everton a better chance of their best possible outcome for Hayden Hackney.
Boro lost 3-1 on their travels to Coventry in a top-of-the-table Championship clash, where Hackney was unable to keep his side in top spot, which comes as good news for David Moyes.
The Toffees have been linked with Kim Hellberg’s star man, who has been tearing up England’s second division for multiple seasons, also gaining attention from several Premier League clubs.
Middlesbrough knocked back a deadline-day approach from Nottingham Forest for their hometown hero, and the Blues know it will be difficult to land the 23-year-old.
However, Boro’s loss to Frank Lampard’s men is exactly what Everton need in their chase for Hackney.
Middlesbrough promotion demands premium for Hayden Hackney
As highlighted by Sofascore, Hackney has been a standout performer in the Championship with an average rating of 7.16.
Despite his dream to achieve promotion with his boyhood club, the Englishman knows that next season he is ready to make the next step in his career, which is moving to the Premier League.
Everton’s best chance of signing Hackney is if Boro stay down, although there is still no guarantee he will stay with the club even if promotion is achieved.
- Middlesbrough dropped back to 2nd place in the Championship after the loss to Coventry
- Hackney has less than 18 months remaining on his deal at the Riverside Stadium
There is an acceptance at Boro that they will have to let Hackney pursuit his dream in the summer, should the club fail to get back to the promised land.
But not only that, Middlesbrough would still be a Championship club, and owner Steve Gibson may have to accept an offer lower than what he would be sold for if his club was a Premier League side next season.
This means that Everton should be hoping that the North-East club fail in their attempts for promotion, as they could land a potential future England international for a cut-price deal.
What could Hackney offer Everton?
The Toffees already have some talented young midfielders in James Garner and Harrison Armstrong, as Idrissa Gana Gueye nears the end of his career.
Gana Gueye will need to be replaced by a midfielder who can do it all, and Hackney can certainly chip in with contributions at both ends of the pitch.
| Chances created per 90 | 2.02 |
| Successful dribbles per 90 | 1.45 |
| Tackles per 90 | 1.83 |
| Possession won in the final third per 90 | 0.84 |
Hackney is a progressive midfield player who possesses unique ball-carrying ability, something the Toffees need.
Moyes’ side sometimes struggles to transition up the field quickly, as the Boro skipper won’t just win possession, but then make a goal-scoring opportunity from it.
Everton are looking in the right places with this transfer, and they will be watching Hackney’s end to the season closely.
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