Everton’s £24.5m Midfield Talent Reveals Why He Chose The Club: Should The Club Trust The Manager’s Plan?

Everton’s £24.5m Midfield Talent Reveals Why He Chose The Club: Should The Club Trust The Manager’s Plan? Everton’s midfield rebuild under David Moyes demands more than immediate results. The club need players who can handle the Premier League’s physical demands, keep possession under pressure and improve the side over several seasons. Finding that balance remains particularly important after a summer window that reshaped the squad without addressing every weakness. Moyes has previously built competitive teams by identifying players outside the established Premier League market. Tim Cahill, John Stones and Joleon Lescott provide examples of players who developed into top-flight regulars during their careers. Jarrod Bowen offers another reference point from the Scot’s time at West Ham United . For Everton, that recruitment approach has added significance following their move into Hill Dickinson Stadium. The manager needs dependable midfield options who can support the club’s ambitions without requiring an expensive overhaul every summer. Why the £24.5m midfielder trusted Moyes Hayden Hackney has explained why Everton’s manager influenced his decision to leave Middlesbrough during the summer transfer window. Speaking to Everton’s official in an interview, the 24-year-old highlighted Moyes’ history of developing Championship talent. “We spoke about that a lot,” Hackney said. “It makes sense. He’s done that in previous years, and the players have gone on to become Premier League-proven players.” The England Under-21 international added that he wants to prove himself in the top flight and establish himself as a Premier League player. Everton paid an initial £16.5 million for Hackney, with performance-related add-ons potentially taking the package to £24.5 million. He signed a five-year contract after winning the Championship Player of the Season award for 2025/26. The midfielder recorded five goals and six assists in 41 appearances for Middlesbrough last season. His strengths include progressive passing, composure in possession and the ability to operate in deeper midfield roles. However, adapting to the Premier League’s pace and physical intensity remains a challenge, particularly when opponents press aggressively. Hackney has made six Premier League appearances this season. He started on the bench against Chelsea on October 17, when Everton lost 2-0 at home. Should Everton trust Moyes’ plan despite Hackney’s Chelsea benching? LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Hayden Hackney of Everton during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 16, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) Hackney remains a sensible long-term investment rather than a signing who must immediately transform the midfield. His Championship performances displayed his technical quality and consistency, while his versatility gives Moyes options in central and defensive midfield. The Chelsea defeat alone offers little evidence that his development has stalled. Everton started James Garner and Harrison Armstrong centrally, while Christian Nørgaard provides further competition. Hackney must earn regular starts through performances, not reputation. His passing range could help Everton progress possession more cleanly, although he still needs to prove he can impose himself against elite Premier League midfields. The £24.5 million potential fee makes that development important, but his five-year deal gives the club time to assess his progress without demanding instant returns.