Everton Sign Hayden Hackney as Spurs Break Record for Mateus Fernandes

Everton have finally landed Hayden Hackney after a drawn-out pursuit, while Tottenham have gone all in on Mateus Fernandes in an £85m statement that underlines their ambition under Roberto De Zerbi.

Hackney picks Everton after drawn-out saga

Everton have secured Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough on a five-year deal in a transfer that could reach £25m, ending weeks of tense negotiations and rival interest.

Named Championship player of the year last season, the 24-year-old midfielder became the focal point of a tug-of-war that Middlesbrough were in no rush to end. With only 12 months left on his contract, several Everton bids were turned away as Boro held firm to their £25m valuation. Crystal Palace’s interest only strengthened their hand.

Hackney, though, had already made up his mind. He wanted Everton.

“As soon as I spoke to the manager, as soon as I knew Everton were interested, it was always going to be Everton,” he said after completing the move. He pointed to the scale of the club, the looming move to a new stadium and, crucially, David Moyes’s history of turning Championship standouts into Premier League regulars. “Hopefully I can be the next one to do it successfully for Everton.”

Everton will pay an initial £16.5m, with the fee potentially rising to £25m through add-ons, including clauses linked to Hackney representing England. For a club still rebuilding and reshaping, it is a calculated gamble on a player they believe can grow with them.

Hackney promises to bring energy and balance to Moyes’s midfield. “I think fans can expect a bit of everything from me – attacking and defensively,” he said. He talked about carrying the ball, timing late runs into the box and adding goals, but also admitted the Premier League will be a new test. “Once I get used to that I think I can kick on from there.”

Moyes, who wanted to sign Hackney last summer before focusing on other areas of the squad, has finally got his man. The midfielder arrives with pedigree, having been part of the England side that lifted the European Under-21 Championship in 2025.

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

The Everton manager made it clear this is also about raising standards in the middle of the pitch. “He’s an England Under-21 international who will provide greater competition in midfield, which is something I wanted going into the new season.”

Everton are not done there. They are also close to signing winger Tyrique George from Chelsea, a further sign that Moyes intends to refresh his side with youth and resale value, not just short-term fixes.

Spurs go big for Mateus Fernandes

While Everton worked the margins of the market, Tottenham stepped into the spotlight with a deal that changes the shape of their squad and their wage bill.

Spurs have completed the signing of Mateus Fernandes from West Ham in an £85m transfer, a club-record fee for a 21-year-old midfielder who has quickly climbed through European football.

The Portugal international came through at Sporting, spent the 2024-25 season at Southampton, then joined West Ham last August. One year on, he leaves the Hammers having convinced De Zerbi that he is the perfect fit for the high-tempo, possession-heavy football the Italian demands.

“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,” De Zerbi said. For a coach obsessed with structure and bravery in possession, Fernandes ticks every box. “Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level.”

The move is a major step for the player as well. “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,” Fernandes said. He described his conversations with De Zerbi as “very special” and stressed how closely their footballing ideas align – a strong, aggressive side, full of energy, going into every game to win.

“I can’t wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the club,” he added.

The pressure that comes with an £85m fee will be intense, but De Zerbi sounds convinced he has the temperament as well as the talent. “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,” the Spurs head coach said. “I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I’m excited to start working with him.”

Two midfielders, two very different stages of their careers, and two clubs with contrasting budgets but similar intent. Everton are betting on Hackney to grow into the Premier League and anchor a new era on Merseyside. Tottenham have paid a premium for a player they believe can drive them straight into the thick of the title and Champions League conversation.

Now the question is simple: which of these big midfield gambles will define their club’s season?