Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Wed 13 May 2026 15:13, UK

Everton’s hope of landing Hayden Hackney could have been boosted by Middlesbrough’s failure to win the play-offs but leaves them with a decision to make on Idrissa Gueye.

Hackney was not on the pitch for the Teesiders, as he is still recovering from a calf injury sustained in March. Middlesbrough ultimately fell to defeat 2-1 after extra time, with Southampton emerging as victors.

The midfielder will now not be a Premier League player unless, of course, he makes a switch away from the Riverside Stadium.

Middlesbrough’s exit has surely meant his potential transfer out of the Championship club has been boosted.

With Everton one of many circling for Hackney’s signature, the door may be further opened ajar with the future of Gueye uncertain.

Why Everton need to make final Idrissa Gueye decision

Everton want to keep Gueye, but as the weeks go on with no agreement, the Toffees will need to make a final decision.

David Moyes’ side cannot sit around and wait to find out if they will need to seek a replacement in the summer.

With Hackney likely to be available, and with Everton interested, it could be the right time to say farewell to the 36-year-old midfielder.

While his age has not seemingly caught up with him yet, replacing Gueye with Hackney would add more youthful legs into the midfield set up at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

There is also an argument that it is smarter to replace Gueye now, rather than wait for the fall off to happen, which is a smarter move for the Toffees.

Hackney could be the next step in Everton’s midfield evolution, and he would be both a signing for now and for the future.

Hayden Hackney drama may not be over yet

Although Middlesbrough are out of the play-offs, the punishment for Southampton’s “spying” has not yet been determined.

One of the many possibilities is that the Saints are removed from the play-offs, with Boro being placed back into the competition.

The Teesiders are reportedly returning to training on Friday in case of this outcome as they await to hear the EFL’s judgement.

Hackney may yet have his chance to secure Premier League football with Boro, but as things stand, Everton certainly have an advantage.

The Toffees can offer him that Premier League dream, and he would be doing so at a team pushing towards playing European football once more.

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