Hayden Hackney credited the track record of David Moyes as being key to his decision to sign for Everton, with the deal to take him to Merseyside from Middlesbrough completed on Thursday. Hackney, who missed out on promotion to the Premier League with Middlesbrough last season as they lost the Championship play-off final to Hull City, has made the move to Everton in a deal reported to be worth �24million.The midfielder was linked with several clubs after scoring five goals and providing seven assists for Middlesbrough last term.But the 24-year-old made it clear there was only place he wanted to go once he learned of Evertons interest, with Hackney signing a five-year contract at the Hill-Dickinson Stadium.Im delighted to be here. As soon as I spoke to the manager, as soon as I knew Everton were interested, to be honest, it was always going to be Everton, Hackney told evertontv. Its such a big club, with the new stadium and the direction its going in. I just wanted to be part of that.The managers track record of bringing players from the Championship to the Premier League was a massive part of my decision as well. Hopefully I can be the next one to do it successfully for Everton.It feels like a good fit for me, for sure. I think its a given that you work hard, you run, you make tackles. Ill be doing that.I think fans can expect a bit of everything from me attacking and defensively. I think I can carry the ball well, arrive late in the box, and hopefully score some goals. I think theres plenty more to come from me. Obviously, I havent played in the Premier League yet, so once I get used to that I think I can kick on from there.It was big for me to get it done before the start of pre-season. I wanted to be here on day one and do the whole pre-season with the lads. I cant wait for it. It helps with everything. Obviously, its a new set of lads who Ill get used to and then also living down here. Im delighted.It feels like signing for Everton is ideal timing. I feel that last season really developed me more as a player in all aspects of my game.Obviously, I thank Middlesbrough for the time that I was there, which was unbelievable, but now I feel ready and feel its time to make the change and Im really looking forward to it.There are some unbelievable players here and the competition is going to be tough but Im ready to get going and to compete.Hackney a key signing for Everton bossFor Moyes, the arrival of Hackney boosts his side by adding strength in depth in a crucial area of the pitch.Hayden is a promising young player who weve been tracking for some time, and Im looking forward to working with him, Moyes said.Weve had a track record over the years of identifying players in the Championship who have gone on to do really well for us and been good investments. We hope that will be the case with Hayden, too.Hes an England Under-21 international who will provide greater competition in midfield, which is something I wanted going into the new season. Topics Everton F.C. Premier League Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Manchester City confirm Anderson agreement Nicholas McGee 2nd July, 2026 Tottenham confirm Fernandes signing as Tonali credits De Zerbi for impending transfer Nicholas McGee 2nd July, 2026 Newcastle agree deal for Ivory Coast winger Toure Nicholas McGee 1st July, 2026 Tottenham agree �100m deal for Newcastle midfielder Tonali Nicholas McGee 1st July, 2026 Chelsea refuse to reference Maresca by name as they confirm new Man City boss will pay them compensation Nicholas McGee 29th June, 2026 Enzo Maresca: Man City confirm former Chelsea manager will succeed Pep Guardiola at 10-time Premier League champions Mitch Fretton 29th June, 2026
