Everton were late to the summer transfer window, signing Tyrik George and Merlin Rolle on permanent deals, and also spent £23m on Middlesbrough captain Hayden Hackney.
The Toffees’ hopes of qualifying for Europe last season were blown away like leaves in the wind, with manager David Moyes unable to prevent his side from finishing the Premier League without a win in seven games.
Hackney could help change things and bring some skill and a winning mentality to a midfield that has perhaps been a bit stagnant.
Why Hackney could be a game changer for Everton
Middlesbrough were the most possession-based team in the Championship last year and Hackney was at the heart of it.
Most championship passes (2025/26) | ||
|---|---|---|
team | final ranking | path |
middlesbrough | 5th place | 25332 |
southampton | 4th place | 23038 |
bristol city | 12th | 21765 |
swansea | 11th | 21242 |
west brom | 21st | 20686 |
The 23-year-old is one of England’s most talented passers, averaging 54.3 passes per game in the Championship. He also created an average of 2.2 chances per game, won duels and consistently dribbled into dangerous positions.
It will certainly be something new for Hill-Dickinson’s side, who continue to strive for a more fluid on-the-ball style under Moyes. Control and fluency in building a team could benefit the Merseysiders, who, while no longer a relegation factor, are still a little lacking in attacking punch.
Hackney could play a central role for many years, but Everton probably need a bit more experience in their squad. Imagine if you could get your hands on one of the most talented and experienced technicians in English football.
Everton ready to complete statement signing as soon as possible
Everton have done a decent job in recent weeks, but Moyes could really make a big addition to his squad to make a big change in his pre-season goals.
John Stones could be that man. The former Goodison Park product, who left the club to join Manchester City in a £47.5m deal last year, could now return.
Now, according to Sports Boom, the veteran’s contract with City has expired and serious negotiations are expected next week, meaning he could be ready to return home.
Negotiations are expected to begin when Stones returns from North America this month after the Three Lions’ third-place match against France, with Everton hoping to conclude a deal as soon as possible before the start of the new season.
At his best, Stones was one of the best defenders in the world, and his skill and intelligence when holding the ball actually exceeded his designated role throughout his career.
Stones, full of silverware, is only 32 years old but has had much of his career marred by injuries, missing almost every season he spent at the Etihad under Pep Guardiola.
John Stones – title with Manchester City | ||
|---|---|---|
competition | Number of wins | season |
premier league | 6 times | 17/18, 18/19, 20/21, 21/22, 22/23, 23/24 |
league cup | 5 times | 17/18, 18/19, 19/20, 20/21, 25/26 |
FA Cup | 3 times | 18/19, 19/20, 25/26 |
community shield | 2x | 18/19, 19/20 |
champions league | 1x | 22/23 |
club world cup | 1x | 23/24 |
UEFA Super Cup | 1x | 23/24 |
Hackney would bring an interesting change to Everton’s ballplay in midfield, but Stones could revolutionize the very fabric of Moyes’ progressive system, and in that regard he could be a summer signing for the Toffees. Breaking away from the monotony of the midfield requires leadership and experience at the top level.
Stones played five games for England this summer, starting three of them. He has completed 97% of his passes and won 63% of his duels, and although he won’t start every Premier League game for Everton, he could have a bigger impact than any other member of Moyes’ team next year.
With Jarrad Branthwaite’s development stalled due to repeated injuries, it feels doubly important that Everton get him over the line, and hopefully negotiate a reasonable salary package.
Hackney will have a more lasting impact on the club as he will feature prominently for years to come, but Stones could bring about an even bigger change and put Everton back in the European limelight for the first time in a decade.
