Liverpool fans say the same thing after Everton insert unexpected 'clause' in Hayden Hackney deal

Liverpool fans have been quick to mock both Everton and Middlesbrough after it was revealed there is a Champions League clause in the deal to sign Hayden Hackney.

The 24-year-old midfielder is set to join the Toffees for an initial £16.5million, which could rise to £24.5m due to potential add-ons.

It is reported that £3m of these add-ons are related to Champions League matches with Everton.

Given that the Toffees have not played Champions League football since 2005, many Liverpool fans were quick to mock the clause, claiming Middlesbrough will never receive this money.

Everton have struggled to even qualify for Europe in recent years, with their last appearance coming in the Europa League in 2017.

The Toffees were in the race for Champions League football during the 2025-26 campaign, before a late decline in form saw them fail to qualify for Europe at all.

Liverpool fans slam Middlesbrough are ‘fools’ for accepting Champions League clause

Everton’s potential capture of Hackney has been praised by many, with David Moyes set to get his hands on one of England’s most promising midfielders.

The 24-year-old was highly impressive for Middlesbrough in the 2025-26 season and was also key to England winning the Under-21 European Championship last summer.

However, after Paul Joyce reported that Everton included a Champions League clause in the deal, Liverpool fans could not resist commenting.

Many took to X mocking Everton’s recent European record, and in turn, Middlesbrough’s “foolish” for accepting such an add-on.

How good is Hayden Hackney?

The good news for Everton is that Hackney looks like an extremely good signing for the club.

According to Fotmob on 29 June, the midfielder was averaging 0.14 goals, a 0.15 xG, 2.66 shots, 0.19 assists, 2.25 chances created, 0.22 big chances created and 1.47 successful dribbles per 90 minutes.

Therefore, there is no doubt that Hackney is ready to make the step up to the Premier League, and given his age, he is only likely to improve further.

Moyes will be hopeful that such an addition can help push Everton into the European places come the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

However, it remains to be seen how Hackney does at the Hill Dickinson Stadium next season.