'Lots to like' about Hackney signing

Everton fan Mark Staniford says there is “lots to like” about the Toffees signing of Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney for the “relatively inexpensive” price of around £16m,

Hackney made 154 appearances for Boro, scoring 16 goals, and won the 2025-26 Championship player of the season as he helped his side reach the play-off final, which they lost 1-0 to Hull City.

“Some early business which is good and not like us at all,” Staniford told BBC Radio Merseyside.

“The lad has come for a relatively inexpensive price. He ripped up the Championship last season and was voted the best player.

“I’m not sure if he was a priority or more the timing where we thought, ‘he’s available we can get him in.’ With the rumours Idrissa Gueye isn’t signing a new deal, we’re losing an experienced head in midfield.

“Hackney is bright, he’s a young prospect, he can score goals, he can put his foot in. Lots to like about the signing.

“In the scheme of things it’s not a huge amount of money which is also a positive.”

Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds