Everton on verge of £25m Hayden Hackney deal

Everton are close to completing a £25million deal for Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney, according to reports. The move would mark a significant investment in Sean Dyche's midfield.

Background and context

Hackney, 22, has been a standout performer for Middlesbrough this season, captaining the side in Michael Carrick's system. The Teesside club are expected to resist losing their skipper, but a fee in the region of £25m could prove too tempting to turn down.

Everton have been in the market for a central midfielder following the departure of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa last summer. The club have also seen Abdoulaye Doucouré and Idrissa Gueye enter the latter stages of their careers, making midfield reinforcements a priority.

Sean Dyche typically operates a 4-4-1-1 formation, relying on two hard-working central midfielders. Hackney, known for his energy and ball progression, would fit well alongside a more defensive-minded partner like James Garner or Orel Mangala.

Impact and analysis

Hackney has been a key figure for Middlesbrough in the Championship, registering three goals and four assists in 28 league appearances this season. His ability to drive forward with the ball and pick out passes between the lines would add a new dimension to Everton's midfield.

  • Hackney ranks in the top 10% of Championship midfielders for progressive carries and passes into the final third this season.
  • At 22, he fits Everton's recent recruitment policy of signing younger players with resale value, following the additions of Jarrad Branthwaite and Dwight McNeil.
  • The £25m fee would make him one of the most expensive signings in Everton's history, reflecting the club's ambition to secure Premier League safety.

From a tactical perspective, Hackney's arrival would allow Dyche to shift to a more possession-based approach at times, as the midfielder is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and playing forward quickly. However, he will need to adapt to the increased pace and physicality of the Premier League.

For Fantasy Premier League managers, Hackney is unlikely to be a high-scoring asset initially, as Everton's midfield tends to be more defensive. However, if he secures a regular starting spot, his price around £5.0m could offer value in deeper leagues.

What's next

Negotiations are expected to intensify over the coming days, with Middlesbrough holding out for a deal that reflects Hackney's importance as captain. Everton will hope to finalise the transfer before the end of January, potentially making him available for the trip to Brighton on 25 January.

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