‘Everton face brutal Idrissa Gueye dilemma as Hayden Hackney interest intensifies’
Everton have intensified their interest in Middlesbrough talent Hayden Hackney as they seek to future-proof their midfield.
Hackney is a product of the Boro youth system and has been a star for them over the past few seasons, clocking up 113 appearances across all competitions and registering 10 goals and nine assists.
In 2024/25, the midfielder — who was part of England’s U21 Euros-winning team — was first among Boro players in the Championship for progressive passes (440, Fbref), passes into the final third (362) and overall passes completed (2,625), while he was also second for chances created (66) and tackles (93).
His form helped Boro sustain a challenge for a place in the Championship playoffs, though they ultimately missed out on the final day, finishing 10th.
Everton face competition in Hayden Hackney pursuit
Hackney’s exploits have alerted the attention of Everton, who have been ‘making checks on his price and availability this summer’ according to Sky Sports (9 July).
However, the Toffees are by no means alone in their pursuit of the Redcar-born star.
Sky’s report states that Everton face competition in the Premier League from Brentford, Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham.
Meanwhile, continental sides such as Porto, Stuttgart and Bayer Leverkusen are also interested in Hackney’s signature, with just two years left to run on his current deal at the Riverside Stadium.
Hackney arrival would spell beginning of the end for Idrissa Gana Gueye
Football Insider verdict
The capture of Hackney would be an exciting move for Everton. However, it would likely signal the beginning of the end for Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Gueye has been sensational since returning to the club from PSG in 2022 and just last season, he was first in the Premier League among his teammates for progressive passes (145, Fbref), passes into the final third (154), tackles (133) and interceptions (48).
| 2024/25 per 90 league stats | Idrissa Gana Gueye | Hayden Hackney |
| Passes completed | 36.2 | 62.4 |
| Progressive passes completed | 4.26 | 10.5 |
| Passes into final 3rd completed | 4.53 | 8.60 |
| Tackles | 3.91 | 2.21 |
| Interceptions | 1.41 | 0.71 |
Those stats highlight his importance to David Moyes’ side and similarities between him and Hackney.
However, Gueye turns 36 in September and while he did recently pen a new one-year contract extension with a further option year, it is surely just a matter of time before the years catch up to his performances.
So, while Hackney wouldn’t dislodge Gueye straight away should he arrive on Merseyside, he would expect to quickly become the starting figure at the base of Everton’s midfield.