Hackney Sets Target After Promising Everton Debut

Hayden Hackney says he’s “really enjoyed” his time so far at Everton – and is targeting building more match fitness in the Toffees’ upcoming pre-season matches.

A summer signing from Middlesbrough, the midfielder made his first appearance for the Blues in a 1-0 defeat during Tuesday evening’s friendly at Stoke City.

Hackney – the Championship’s Player of the Season for 2025/26 – played 45 minutes and looking sharp for a promising 45-minute cameo before being withdrawn as planned at half-time.

Watch Hayden Hackney’s post-match interview below, or, by clicking here to be redirected!

“I really enjoyed it,” Hackney told evertontv. “Obviously, I haven't played in a while. So, it was about getting back up to match fitness and I really enjoyed getting back out there.

“I'm new to the team. We haven't actually played any competitive minutes together.

“So, it was nice to get used to that. I'm sure that will improve over time.”

A trip to Germany is up next for Everton, who face friendly fixtures against Hamburg (Saturday 1 August) and VfB Stuttgart (Saturday 8 August).

Looking ahead to those matches – the Blues’ fourth and fifth pre-season tests ahead of the 2026/27 season – Hackney continued: “Obviously, the match fitness is not there yet, but that will come with time. But yeah, the body feels good.

“[I want to] keep building the minutes up. Probably 60 (next) then hopefully a full 90 and then go from there.”