Everton have signed midfielder Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough for a fee of at least £16m.

The 24-year-old had one year left on his contract with Boro and leaves the club he joined at Under-10 level after they missed out on promotion to the Premier League last season.

Hackney, the 2025-26 Championship player of the season, helped Middlesbrough reach the play-off final in May, which they lost 1-0 to Hull City.

“I’m delighted to be here,” said Hackney, who has joined Everton on a five-year deal.

“As soon as I spoke to the manager [David Moyes], as soon as I knew Everton were interested, to be honest, it was always going to be Everton.

“It’s such a big club, with the new stadium and the direction it’s going in. I just wanted to be part of that.”

Hackney made 154 appearances for Boro, scoring 16 goals.

“As the homegrown midfielder enters a new chapter in his flourishing career, everyone at MFC wishes Hayden all the very best for the future,” said a Middlesbrough statement.

Crystal Palace were also interested in Hackney, who was part of the England squad that won the European U21 title in 2025, but he favoured a move to Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Nottingham Forest also had an approach for him turned down late in the winter transfer window.

“The manager’s track record of bringing players from the Championship to the Premier League was a massive part of my decision,” said Hackney. “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 it’s a given that you work hard, you run, you make tackles. I’ll 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.”