Hayden Hackney is a target for Everton and manager David Moyes several other clubs this summer, after a very successful Championship season.
The 23-year-old had hoped to lead his childhood club Middlesbrough back to the Premier League, but was injured when they lost the play-off final.
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Now, with just one year left on his contract this summer, it looks like the England youth international is finally ready to seek new challenges.
Hackney’s breakthrough season came under the leadership of Michael Carrick, and many have speculated that Manchester United would try to reunite the duo.
However, Everton’s transfer bosses seem to have stolen a head start on any possible move to Old Trafford – and a deal is moving forward.
Michael Carrick was a big fan of Hayden Hackney
Football Insider exclusively revealed this week that Everton are keen to sign Hackney in the coming weeks, as they look to strengthen their midfield.
Idrissa Gueye is nearing the end of his career, and there is a feeling that David Moyes does not prefer long-term roles to either Tim Iroegbunam or Merlin Rohl alongside James Garner.
Harrison Armstrong will eventually join the discussion, but the 19-year-old is still learning his way in the Premier League and still has a long way to go.
“A pleasure to work with”
Hackney, although he has yet to play in the Premier League, has established himself among the best midfielders in the division over the last couple of years.
The 23-year-old was named “Championship Player of the Season” for his season – despite missing the last eight games.
The potential was obvious for Carrick, who joined Middlesbrough in 2022 when Hackney had his big breakthrough in midfield.
“He is a pleasure to work with. Hayden has come through the academy here and is a local boy,” Carrick said in 2023.
“It’s a real bonus when you get someone like him. He is at the start of his journey and has a lot of potential. We want to help him and develop him so that he can be as good as possible.
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Carrick in 2024: “Down-to-earth, humble and loves to learn”
In 2024, Carrick stated:
“You couldn’t ask for much more from Hayden. He is down-to-earth, humble, and loves to learn. He loves the place, and he loves the club.
“To have that, combined with the talent he has, is the perfect scenario. I think it just shows his consistency over a long period of time. It’s not easy when you’re a younger player, but he’s definitely delivered.
“Everton should be vigilant”
Although it is said that Manchester United are not in the race for Hackney this week, it is clear how much Carrick values him.
The midfielder was almost ubiquitous in the 44-year-old’s Middlesbrough team, and there is little doubt that the Englishman believes he is capable of asserting himself at Premier League level.
Whether this opinion is shared in Manchester United’s board, however, is another matter.
Everton should be wary anyway – because a deal could come quickly if Carrick manages to convince his colleagues of Hackney’s qualities.
