Everton Sign Hayden Hackney for Up to £25m, Tottenham Secure Mateus Fernandes for £85m

Everton have completed the signing of Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough in a deal that could rise to £25m, while Tottenham have confirmed the signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for £85m.

The midfielder Hackney, named player of the year in the Championship last season, has signed a five-year contract with the Merseyside club following weeks of negotiations over the fee.

Middlesbrough rejected several bids from Everton for the 24-year-old as they held out for their £25m valuation on a player who had only 12 months left on his contract. Interest from Crystal Palace strengthened Middlesbrough’s position, but Hackney was intent on joining Everton. Everton, who are also close to signing the winger Tyrique George from Chelsea, will pay an initial £16.5m, potentially rising to £25m with add-ons including Hackney playing for England.

The former Middlesbrough captain said: “As soon as I spoke to the manager, as soon as I knew Everton were interested, 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. The manager’s 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.

“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 there’s plenty more to come from me. Obviously, I haven’t played in the Premier League yet, so once I get used to that I think I can kick on from there.”

The Everton manager, David Moyes, wanted to sign Hackney last summer before turning his attention to other areas of the squad. The midfielder was part of the England team that won the European Under-21 Championship in 2025.

Moyes said: “Hayden is a promising young player who we’ve been tracking for some time, and I’m looking forward to working with him. We’ve 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.

“He’s an England Under-21 international who will provide greater competition in midfield, which is something I wanted going into the new season.”

Meanwhile, Tottenham have completed the signing of the midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham in a deal worth £85m, a club record. The 21-year-old Portugal international began his career at Sporting and spent a season at Southampton in 2024-25, before signing for the Hammers in August last year.

The Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi said: “I’ve admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play. Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level.”

Fernandes said: “I’m very excited for this next step. Spurs is a massive club and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join. When we spoke it was very special. We look at football in the same way – going on to the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can’t wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the club.”

De Zerbi added: “Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments. I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I’m excited to start working with him.”