Hayden Hackney
EVE
CM
Creative Playmaker
Jun 26, 2002 (24)
Right
5'10"
154 lb
EvertonAdds assist in draw
Hackney assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Manchester United.
Analysis: Hackney provided one assist during Sunday's draw, a nice return as he opens his account with his new club. The midfielder should have a solid role in the team and could have some surprising upside in the top flight. Hackney should have some solid upside in any match that he starts, which could be more often than not.
Two corners off bench
Hackney recorded two crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Hackney replaced James Garner following his yellow card and immediately took over corner-kick duties, delivering two set pieces, including one in the 74th minute that helped fuel Everton's late pressure before James Tarkowski eventually found the equalizer. He also recorded one interception and one block while misplacing two crosses across his 28-minute cameo, bringing fresh legs and discipline to the Everton midfield as they pushed for a way back into the match.
Returns to bench
Hackney (ankle) is on the bench for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth.
Analysis: Hackney passed his late fitness assessment after coach David Moyes had described the situation as touch and go following the ankle he rolled last week, recovering enough to earn a spot in the squad despite having been ruled out of the midweek Carabao Cup match against Preston North End. The midfielder had been an influential piece in Everton's season opener before the setback, and the club opted to manage his return carefully with a bench role rather than risking him from the start. His return to the starting role is expected to follow once he is deemed fully fit heading into the coming fixtures.
Rolled ankle, touch and go Saturday
Hackney rolled his ankle last week, which is why he did not play midweek, and is a touch and go for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth, according to coach David Moyes. "Hayden rolled his ankle last week, so that's why he didn't play midweek. It'll be touch and go for Hayden this week."
Analysis: Hackney had already been ruled out of the Carabao Cup match against Preston North End with the ankle issue, coming after he started and was an influential piece in Everton's season opener. His status remains uncertain heading into the weekend, and the club will continue assessing his fitness as the situation develops.
Picks up knock
Hackney is out for Wednesday's Carabao Cup match against Preston North End due to a knock, according to his club.
Analysis: Hackney is not with his team as they play in the Carabao Cup, with the young midfielder dealing with a slight knock. This comes after he started in their season opener and was an influential piece, so the club will hope his return is quick. The good news is that a knock shouldn't be too much of a concern, potentially already being an option come the weekend.
Impresses in season opener
Hackney registered one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Hackney marked his Everton debut in Saturday's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace with two crosses, one corner, one tackle won and one interception across his 79 minutes, contributing to the midfield control that allowed Everton to dominate proceedings. The midfielder's impressive pre-season earned him his starting opportunity and his ability to contribute in both defensive and creative phases gives coach David Moyes a versatile and energetic central option to build around throughout the 2026-27 campaign.
Starts in friendly
Hackney (undisclosed) started and played 45 minutes in Tuesday's friendly against Stoke.
Analysis: Hackney returned to the field following an undisclosed injury, with the midfielder playing 45 minutes while starting in Tuesday's friendly. This should clear the midfielder as the start of the season approaches. He is looking to see important time in the squad following a successful season with Middlesbrough in the Championship, as this will be his debut season in the Premier League.
Continues squad integration
Hackney (undisclosed) continues to be integrated into squad training after recovering from an injury suffered at the end of last season, and is expected to feature against Stoke City in the midweek's friendly, according to the club.
Analysis: Hackney joined Everton this summer from Middlesbrough on a five year deal after captaining the club through last season's Championship campaign and being named Championship Player of the Season. His gradual reintegration into full training suggests the club is easing him in carefully following the injury, and his expected involvement against Stoke should mark a meaningful step in his early buildup with his new teammates.
Signs for Everton on five-year deal
Hackney has joined Everton from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee on a five-year contract until June 2031, the club announced.
Analysis: Hackney captained Middlesbrough throughout the 2025/26 Championship campaign and was named Championship Player of the Season after a standout individual campaign that attracted interest from multiple clubs. Hackney won the UEFA European U21 Championship with England in 2025 and made 13 appearances for the Young Lions, and expressed his excitement at becoming manager David Moyes' first summer signing, citing the manager's track record of successfully bringing players from the Championship to the Premier League as a key factor in his decision. Moyes described Hackney as a promising young England U21 international who will provide greater competition in midfield, adding to Everton's history of identifying Championship talent that has gone on to perform well at the top level.
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