Everton in race to sign £25m England U21 star after making first enquiries
Everton Enter the Race for Championship Midfield Star as Summer Recruitment Gathers Pace
With the summer transfer window now in full swing, Everton are hoping to inject fresh momentum into their recruitment drive following the imminent arrival of Thierno Barry from Villarreal. The French forward is expected to complete a move worth approximately £30 million in the coming days, and his signing could serve as a catalyst for further additions as the Toffees aim to build a squad capable of competing at a higher level next season.
Everton Shifting Focus After Barry Deal
Once the Barry deal is finalised, Everton’s attention will turn to reinforcing other key areas of the squad, particularly in midfield and attack. Among the names generating serious interest are Manchester City’s James McAtee and Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo. Both players are seen as potential game-changers who could bring flair, creativity, and much-needed depth to Everton’s attacking options.
McAtee, in particular, has emerged as a prime target. The 22-year-old academy graduate has struggled for consistent minutes at the Etihad despite showing flashes of brilliance when handed opportunities under Pep Guardiola. His technical skill, vision, and goal-scoring instincts make him an enticing option for Everton, who are now entering a new era under the lights of the recently renamed Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Despite limited minutes, McAtee made his mark last season, most notably scoring a hat-trick against Salford City in the FA Cup—an achievement that drew high praise from Guardiola.
“I’m so happy for him,” Guardiola said at the time. “He’s a special player. Scoring a hat-trick is never easy. He has an incredible instinct in front of goal, and the way he shifts tempo to create chances is really impressive.”
But despite the glowing feedback from his manager, McAtee’s long-term future appears to lie away from Manchester. A permanent move would allow the midfielder to step out of the shadows and establish himself as a first-team regular—something Everton could offer. Chelsea’s success with Cole Palmer, another former City youngster, serves as a recent example of what McAtee could become with the right platform.
Midfield Reinforcements Still a Priority
Regardless of whether Everton can seal a deal for McAtee, central midfield remains one of the club’s top priorities this summer. The departure of Abdoulaye Doucouré has left a significant gap in the engine room, and the Toffees are now actively exploring replacements.
According to Sky Sports, Everton have officially entered the race to sign Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney. The highly-rated 21-year-old has been on the radar of several Premier League clubs after a standout season in the Championship. Everton have reportedly made initial enquiries regarding his availability and could be prepared to match Middlesbrough’s £25 million valuation.
Hackney’s Breakout Season Makes Him Premier League-Ready
Hackney was a revelation for Michael Carrick’s Boro side last season, dominating matches from the center of the pitch with his composure, ball-winning ability, and forward passing. Despite Middlesbrough’s failure to secure a playoff spot, the young midfielder consistently stood out as one of the division’s most complete players.
A statistical comparison between Hackney and former Everton midfielder Doucouré further underscores his readiness for the top flight:
Metric Hackney (24/25) Doucouré (24/25)
Minutes Played 3,792 2,564
Progressive Passes 440 38
Tackles Won 56 28
Ball Recoveries 281 150
These numbers demonstrate Hackney’s ability to influence matches both defensively and offensively—a dual-threat quality that would significantly enhance Everton’s midfield.
The England U21 international recently capped off an excellent year by helping his country win the UEFA U21 European Championship, further strengthening his case for a Premier League move. His development under Carrick has drawn considerable praise, with the former Manchester United midfielder speaking glowingly about his protégé.
“I’m not taking any credit for Hayden winning Young Player of the Year,” Carrick told reporters. “He’s a special talent—humble, eager to learn, and incredibly grounded. You tell him something once and he applies it straight away. That’s rare at any age.”
Final Thoughts
Everton’s recruitment drive is finally showing signs of life, and with the Barry deal nearly over the line, the club appears ready to escalate efforts to strengthen multiple areas of the squad. Whether it’s McAtee, Kubo, or Hackney, the Toffees are targeting young, high-upside talents who can grow into vital roles. With pre-season rapidly approaching, fans will be hoping that this flurry of activity is just the beginning of a transformative summer at Goodison Park—or rather, The Hill Dickinson Stadium.