Middlesbrough have been without Hayden Hackney for three months following his big-money move to Everton, but Borough fans won’t have to wait long to see the midfield master back.

Failure to win promotion to the Premier League last season, despite being given a second opportunity in the Championship play-offs when Southampton’s Spygate destiny was determined, was supposed to be the final straw for the Teessiders’ chances of keeping Hackney at the Riverside Stadium.

And that proved to be the case, as after weeks of speculation and clubs expressing interest in his talents, Hackney was on his way to Everton at the beginning of July, with the Toffees paying an initial £16.5 million for the 24-year-old – the deal may reach £24 million if all add-ons are completed.

Hayden Hackney’s Premier League debut with Everton.

Everton manager David Moyes has a history of recruiting Championship players, with Hackney being the most recent. After some strong pre-season performances, he was given a start on the first day of the Premier League season against Crystal Palace.

It did help that James Garner was still recovering from pre-season injuries, and the win over the Eagles was Hackney’s only league start so far in 2026-27, as he currently trails Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Harrison Armstrong in the battle for regular game time.

It remains to be seen whether this occurs soon following the international break, but before Everton returns to action, Hackney must deal with another issue.

Hayden Hackney is back to Middlesbrough FC this weekend.

There is still more than a week remaining of the longer-than-usual international break, with the three-week September/October window taking effect this season, and for Middlesbrough supporters in need of a football fix before then, a legends game will be held at the Riverside Stadium this Sunday.

The ‘Legacy Game’ features Borough stalwarts such as Juninho, Fabrizio Ravanelli, Christian Karembeu, and David Wheater, as well as a certain Hayden Hackney.

Borough have confirmed his attendance at the match, but he will not play since he needs to keep healthy for Everton’s Premier League and domestic cup campaigns.

You can anticipate retired legends such as George Friend, David Nugent, Dimi Konstantopoulos, and others to play in what promises to be a spectacular day for the club before the Championship season resumes next week.

Middlesbrough fans want Hayden Hackney to flourish at Everton, and so will Steve Gibson.

One person who will want Hackney fit and healthy for the next few years is Borough chairman Steve Gibson, who approved the deal to enable the midfielder move on to pastures new, which was well deserved after his contributions in recent years.

The 2025-26 Championship Player of the Year winner may not be starting much right now, but if he does become a regular for the Toffees, the chances of the add-ons in his move increase – which would be music to Gibson’s ears.