Everton Sign Hayden Hackney, Bournemouth, Brighton Step Up Summer Transfer Business

Everton have completed the signing of midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough in a deal worth at least £16 million, with the 24-year-old putting pen to paper on a five-year contract.

Hackney leaves his boyhood club after rising through Middlesbrough’s academy from Under-10 level and making 154 senior appearances, scoring 16 goals. His departure comes after Boro narrowly missed promotion to the Premier League, losing 1-0 to Hull City in the Championship play-off final in May.

The Championship Player of the Season for 2025-26 said joining Everton was an easy decision.

“I’m delighted to be here,” said Hackney.

“As soon as I spoke to the manager [David Moyes], as soon as I knew Everton were interested, to be honest, it was always going to be Everton.

“It’s such a big club, with the new stadium and the direction it’s going in. I just wanted to be part of that.”

Middlesbrough paid tribute to the academy graduate in a farewell statement.

“As the homegrown midfielder enters a new chapter in his flourishing career, everyone at MFC wishes Hayden all the very best for the future,” the club said.

Everton are also edging closer to a deal with Chelsea for winger Tyrique George after his successful loan spell at Goodison Park during the second half of last season.

Elsewhere, Bournemouth are in negotiations with Elche over the signing of striker Alvaro Rodriguez. The proposed deal is expected to start at around £18 million and could rise to £25 million through performance-related add-ons.

The 21-year-old Uruguay youth international, who is also eligible to play for Spain, is expected to sign a five-year contract if the clubs reach an agreement. Real Madrid are entitled to 50 per cent of any transfer fee after selling Rodriguez to Elche last summer.

Bournemouth are strengthening after securing a Europa League place with their best-ever Premier League finish. New manager Marco Rose is targeting reinforcements in attack and at left-sided centre-back ahead of the new campaign.

The Cherries remain confident midfielder Alex Scott will stay despite reported interest from Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United. Club sources insist the England youngster is not for sale and hope to tie him to an improved contract.

Brighton have also added to their squad by signing Austria defender Michael Svoboda from Serie B champions Venezia on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old centre-back is currently away with Austria at the World Cup and will join Fabian Hurzeler’s squad later this summer.

Hurzeler believes Svoboda has the qualities needed to thrive in the Premier League.

“Michael has enjoyed a fantastic season with Venezia, captaining them to the league title,” Hurzeler said.

“He has several attributes that we believe will see him adapt well to how we play, both in and out of possession.

“He also adds competition to an area we are looking to strengthen and with several clubs pursuing him this summer, I am very happy that he’s decided to come to Brighton.”