It's transfer deadline day pandemonium at Goodison Park as Everton pull off a major coup by securing the signature of midfielder Hayden Hackney in a deal worth up to £25m! The 24-year-old Championship ace, who was named Player of the Year last season, has signed a whopping five-year contract with the Toffees after turning down interest from Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough held out for their valuation. The initial fee is £16.5m, but that's just the tip of the iceberg – further add-ons could take the total to a staggering £25m depending on Hackney's future international exploits.
Middlesbrough had dug in their heels after initially resisting Everton's approaches, but Hackney's desire to join his boyhood club proved too strong. Speaking about his move, he gushed: "As soon as I spoke to the gaffer, it was always going to be Everton for me. The new stadium, the direction the club is heading... I just wanted to be part of it." He also hailed manager David Moyes's record of spotting Championship gems who thrive in the Premier League – a key factor in his decision.
Moyes himself had been tracking Hackney since last summer and was delighted to finally land his man, saying: "Hayden is a bright young talent we've been monitoring for some time. I'm excited to work with him and build on our history of spotting Championship players who become top Premier League investments." And with a taste of European Under-21 glory under his belt, Hackney's arrival at Everton promises to bring fresh energy to the squad.
Meanwhile, in the world of North London, Spurs have splashed out a club-record £85m on midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United. The 21-year-old Portugal international, who cut his teeth at Sporting before spells at Southampton and then West Ham last August, is now set to make his mark at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium under the watchful eye of head coach Roberto De Zerbi.
"I've been a huge fan of Mateus for ages – he's got quality on the ball, energy, and that all-important intelligence," De Zerbi gushed. And Fernandes himself couldn't hide his excitement about joining Spurs: "I'm buzzing for this next chapter! Spurs is an incredible club with an amazing coach who shares my vision for football." He believes their similar philosophies will make it the perfect fit for his development and growth as a player.