Everton Sign Hackney as Spurs Make Record Move for Fernandes
Everton’s summer rebuild took a decisive step forward with the capture of Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, on a deal that could climb to £25m, on the same day Tottenham pushed their own ambitions into a higher bracket by landing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham for a club‑record £85m.
Two midfielders, two very different stages of their careers, but the same message from both clubs: this season, the middle of the pitch will not be left to chance.
Hackney bets on Everton and Moyes
Everton have chased Hackney for weeks. Middlesbrough rejected several bids, stood firm on their £25m valuation and used interest from Crystal Palace to strengthen their hand, even with only a year left on the 24‑year‑old’s contract. In the end, Everton agreed an initial £16.5m, with performance‑related add‑ons that could take the fee to the full £25m, including bonuses tied to Hackney breaking into the England senior side.
The midfielder, named Championship player of the year last season, has signed a five‑year deal and made it clear this was the move he wanted.
“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. “It’s such a big club, with the new stadium and the direction it’s going in. I just wanted to be part of that. The manager’s track record of bringing players from the Championship to the Premier League was a massive part of my decision as well. Hopefully I can be the next one to do it successfully for Everton.”
That “track record” belongs to David Moyes, back in charge on Merseyside and once again leaning into a familiar formula: find the best in the Championship, give them a platform, and watch their value grow. He had wanted Hackney last summer before turning to other areas of the squad. This time he got his man.
“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.
“He’s an England Under-21 international who will provide greater competition in midfield, which is something I wanted going into the new season.”
Hackney arrives with pedigree. Part of the England team that won the European Under-21 Championship in 2025, he brings energy and balance, and he was quick to outline what Everton supporters should expect.
“I think fans can expect a bit of everything from me – attacking and defensively,” he said. “I think I can carry the ball well, arrive late in the box, and hopefully score some goals. I think there’s plenty more to come from me. Obviously, I haven’t played in the Premier League yet, so once I get used to that I think I can kick on from there.”
For Everton, who are also close to signing winger Tyrique George from Chelsea, this is a statement about the core of their team. For Hackney, it is a leap into the unknown: first taste of Premier League football, under a manager who has built his reputation on making these leaps work.
Spurs go all‑in on Fernandes
While Everton moved smartly in the £20m bracket, Tottenham went straight for the top shelf. Mateus Fernandes, 21 years old and already a Portugal international, has joined from West Ham in a deal worth £85m – the biggest signing in Spurs’ history.
It is a transfer that underlines Roberto De Zerbi’s influence at the club. Spurs have not just bought talent; they have paid a premium for a midfielder tailored to the Italian’s 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. “Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level.”
Fernandes’ route to north London has been brisk. He came through at Sporting, spent the 2024‑25 season at Southampton, then joined West Ham last August. One year on, he moves again, this time into a dressing room that expects to compete at the top end of the table.
The player made it clear that De Zerbi’s vision tipped the scales.
“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. “When we spoke it was very special. We look at football in the same way – going on to the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can’t wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the club.”
De Zerbi sees more than just technical flair.
“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,” he added. “I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I’m excited to start working with him.”
Tottenham have paid a fee that demands immediate impact. Fernandes, though, arrives with Premier League minutes behind him and a manager ready to build around his strengths.
Two clubs, two very different chequebooks, but the same conclusion: if you want to change your season, start by changing your midfield.
