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How Everton can instantly upgrade on Hayden Hackney with £30m midfielder

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Published Aug 29, 2026, 7:10 AM GMT+1

Angus is an experienced football writer at Football FanCast, specialising in analytical reporting, opinion and feature writing, with particular expertise in Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

A journalist since graduating from Southampton Solent University in 2022, Angus has built extensive experience across the football media industry. Before joining Football FanCast, he led VAVEL's Brighton & Hove Albion department, developing experience in club-specific reporting and editorial leadership.

Angus joined Football FanCast through Snack Media's (now Valnet) academy and has since become one of the site's longest-serving writers, progressing into the Opinions and Features team. During his time with Football FanCast, he has produced thousands of articles across a broad range of Premier League clubs and stories.

His work combines analytical reporting, informed opinion and detailed feature writing, with a particular focus on understanding the factors behind performances, transfers and major developments rather than simply reporting the headline. His strongest areas of expertise are Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, although his extensive Premier League coverage has given him a broad understanding of the English top flight.

Angus brings readers experienced, research-led football analysis and considered opinion, using his years of covering the Premier League to provide context, assess players and transfers, and explain what the latest developments mean for clubs and their ambitions.

Everton have enjoyed a promising start to the 2026/27 season under David Moyes, who has led his team to successive victories, one in the Premier League one a thumping 4-0 win over Preston North End in the Carabao Cup.

However, concerns over the future of Iliman Ndiaye on Merseyside are only intensifying at this last-gasp stage. The Senegalese winger, Everton's talisman, might have rejected a move to Al-Hilal after they proved willing to spend £70m, but Manchester City are now showing a vested interest of their own.

Long days ahead for Moyes and technical director Angus Kinnear - and the wider Toffees persuasion besides. But the Blues have completed a fair share of business already, with Hayden Hackney looking the part in the middle of the park against Crystal Palace last week.

Why Hayden Hackney could be a game-changer for Everton

Last season's Championship Player of the Season has more to give, but he produced a composed performance against Crystal Palace, offering quality on the ball that sometimes escaped Moyes' team last year.

Hayden Hackney vs Crystal Palace

Stats (* per 90)

Minutes played	79'
Goals + Assists	0 + 0
Touches*	60
Accurate passes*	38/43 (88%)
Chances created*	1
Possession lost*	10
Succ. dribbles*	0/3
Ball recoveries*	4
Def. contributions*	3
Duels won*	5/10

This is the start of a new chapter. The 23-year-old who captained Middlesbrough so superlatively last season, has the potential to be one of the most effective progressive passers in the Premier League, but he could perhaps do with a bit more physicality beside him.

Indeed, there's still a sense that something is missing from the Everton midfield. The Merseysiders have lost Idrissa Gana Gueye at the end of his contract, after all, and Hackney alone can't bridge the gap on the European pack.

A pure passer such as the 23-year-old brings something different Moyes' system. A new flavour to complement the talismanic skill of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and theindustrious versatility of James Garner.

Everton in talks to sign Premier League midfielder

Everton are striking a welcome balance between experience and youthful avidity, and it might be that Moyes is keen on adding more high-potential talent to his ranks.

Hackney already bears testament to that methodology, and now, Moyes is keen to add another up-and-comer with some Premier League experience under their belt.

Well, according to The Telegraph's Matt Law, Everton have joined the race to sign Pape Matar Sarr, who has given the green light to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer after several bit-part campaigns.

The Senegal international, 23 years old, could be available for only £30m, which would be a bargain when considering the elite potential he brought with him from Metz to the Premier League in 2022.

However, the Toffees aren't alone in pursuing the midfielder, with Nottingham Forest and Besiktas in the running.

Sarr has already played 107 times in the English top flight, scoring eight goals and supplying ten more, and while he needs to bounce back after a tough spell, only starting 13 times for imperilled Spurs last season, the complete midfielder has shown he has the potential to do exactly that, with an arguably more rounded package than Hackney, aligning closer with Moyes' tactical principles.

That's not to say Hackney won't be a success, but Sarr could be a grade above. In 2023/24, he thrived under Ange Postecoglou, starting 27 times in the league, covering so much ground and notching six goal involvements from the heart of the pitch. His dribbling and athleticism make him the prototypical Moyes midfielder, and it's vital that the competition are beaten to his signature.

It's clear that Sarr needs to leave Tottenham to resurrect his Premier League career. Everton would only be too happy to oblige, signing a midfielder who has been embroiled in quite the situation in north London, but could thrive in an all-action role at the heart of Moyes' Everton.

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