Everton have breathed life into their transfer window, with Hayden Hackney set to complete his move from Middlesbrough.
Fans have been clamouring for some activity for the past couple of weeks and had started to get a little tetchy.
But finally, on Monday, it was widely reported that an agreement has been reached for Hackney to join Everton.
How would you feel about Hayden Hackney becoming Everton’s first signing? 🤩
Hackney’s set to join Everton for around £25 million, a fee that will make him one of the most expensive Championship exports of all time.
There has been some criticism of that fee.
But after developments elsewhere, Everton can be pleased with their negotiation.
Hayden Hackney fee looks cheap as midfielder market explodes
Some have pointed out the fact that Everton are paying quite a lot for Hackney, considering he only has one year left on his contract at the Riverside Stadium.
But actually, Everton are doing solid business here.
First and foremost, we are talking about an English central midfielder with a very high ceiling. And last term, he was the Championship Player of the Season, having regularly produced all-action displays.
Then there is the fact that Hackney had plenty of other clubs interested in him.
Naturally, this is going to increase his price.
But yesterday, it was reported by Sky Sports that Tottenham Hotspur agreed a deal to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for a whopping £85 million.
This, after Manchester City agreed to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million (via BBC Sport).
Granted, those two players played in the Premier League last season and have experience playing in the top-flight.
But the fees they will transfer for do help give a little bit of context and perspective to Everton’s Hackney deal.
And actually, Everton are only paying £16.5 million initially, which makes the deal even better.
With the way the market is going, this deal for Hackney – whose current number seven shirt is unavailable at Everton – could end up looking a total bargain before long.
When Hayden Hackney’s Everton medical is set to take place
It has been reported by an Everton insider on X that Hackney is to begin his medical today (Wednesday 1 July).
If you were Angus Kinnear who would you be going all out for this summer? 💰
It remains to be seen if the Toffees will actually announce the player on the same day.
But it looks safe to say that his signing is now imminent and official confirmation will arrive very soon.
There has also been talk of Everton reigniting talks with Chelsea for the permanent transfer of Tyrique George, so hopefully in the coming days there will be further developments on that
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