HAYDEN HACKNEY MAKES LEAP TO EVERTON

Hayden came through Middlesbrough’s entire youth academy before making his first-team debut in 2021 and going on to establish himself as a key player. He was a proud captain during a standout 2025/26 campaign that saw him named Championship Player of the Season, and he now has become manager David Moyes' first signing of the 2026 summer transfer window.

Born in Redcar, Hayden is eligible to represent both England and Scotland through his Edinburgh-born mother — and turned out twice for Scotland at Under-21 level. He was later called up by England Under-21s and made 13 appearances, scoring one goal, for the Young Lions, while being part of the side that won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2025.

SEG agent Carl Thomas commented: "Hayden is one of the most promising and most sought-after players I've ever met. Initially, twelve Premier League clubs wanted to present themselves to him. Hayden spoke with several of them, with Everton having the best proposal both on the football side and financially. When Hayden visited the new stadium for the first time, he was absolutely blown away. It's one of the most beautiful stadiums in Europe. Manager David Moyes' track record of working with Championship players and developing them into England internationals also played a big part in Hayden's decision. I think in the end all parties came away feeling it was a good job, especially Hayden, whose dream of playing in the Premier League has come true."