Credit: Tung Manh Phan/Breaking Media

James Barker

Mon 20 April 2026 12:10, UK

Everton could be forced to cough up more money for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney, as the Hill Dickinson-linked midfielder was honoured at the EFL awards.

Whilst David Moyes‘ side still have a job to do on the pitch in the remainder of this season, Hill Dickinson Stadium chiefs will be starting to look towards the summer too.

Everton look set to be busy in the transfer market over the coming months, with possible voids to fill from potential star exits, as well as general upgrades being required in certain areas.

One player who has been linked with a move to the Toffees in recent times is Middlesbrough’s Hackney, who has once again been starring in the Championship this season.

Everton’s strong financial position suggests an ambitious summer of spending is on the horizon, and they may need to fend off numerous rivals if they are to secure the signature of Boro’s midfield maestro.

Everton target Hayden Hackney named Player of the Season

Everton have been urged to sign Hackney this summer, with Moyes’ midfield potentially set to look very different from next season.

There is uncertainty over the futures of Idrissa Gueye, James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall respectively, with the former out of contract and the latter two both generating transfer interest.

As such, some fresh blood in the middle of the park could be a major priority as we head closer towards the summer window, and Hackney would be a very shrewd addition.

The 23-year-old has now left irrefutable evidence that he’s ready to make the step up to Premier League level, having been bossing the second tier ever since his Middlesbrough first-team breakthrough in 2022-23.

Since then, a number of top clubs from across European football have been linked with his signature, and Boro have seen their resolve tested numerous times, but have so far succeeded in their pursuit to keep him on Teesside.

However, they may only be delaying the inevitable, but even if that’s the case, they’ll no doubt feel he’s added some extra digits to his price tag following Sunday night’s EFL awards ceremony.

Indeed, it was there that Hackney was crowned the Championship Player of the Season, beating Coventry goalkeeper Carl Rushworth, Millwall winger Femi Azeez and Swansea striker Zan Vipotnik to the award respectively.

How much is Hackney realistically worth?

So, this all begs the question, ‘just how much would be a fair price for Hackney this summer?’

Well, Middlesbrough do have the issue of Hackney’s contract to contend with here, as he is only contracted at the Riverside Stadium until the summer of 2027.

Therefore, unless they are to win promotion to the Premier League this season, it’s likely that this summer will be their last chance to bank a big fee for him.

A fair market price for him should be between £20-25million, which could be an absolute bargain for Everton, as his Boro exploits have seen many second tier fans and pundits alike tip him for England stardom in the future.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.