Hayden Hackney ready for Everton season as Grealish talk returns
Hayden Hackney says he is ready for Everton's Premier League opener after a positive pre-season, calling Hill Dickinson Stadium's atmosphere "everything I thought it would be," while Jack Grealish transfer talk returns to Monday's headlines as David Moyes prepares for Crystal Palace amid midfield injuries. The Middlesbrough signing has settled quickly and could feature as Everton kick off their 2026/27 campaign.
Key Takeaways
- Hayden Hackney told Everton FC he cannot wait for a Premier League home game and wants the season to start with a win against Crystal Palace.
- The midfielder told the Liverpool Echo that Everton was his clear "number one" move, citing David Moyes and the club's fanbase as decisive factors.
- Everton are without Christian Norgaard, Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner for the opener, leaving Hackney in contention to start or debut from the bench.
- Jack Grealish transfer debate has resurfaced in Everton news, with a jury assessing the storyline before Saturday's Palace clash.
- David Moyes faces a tense build-up with unfinished transfer business and injury blows in midfield ahead of the new season.
Why Did Hayden Hackney Choose Everton?
In an exclusive interview with the Liverpool Echo, Hackney said Everton was always his top destination despite interest from more than a third of Premier League clubs. "It was my number one. I wanted to come here," he explained, describing the decision as instinctive once the move materialized.
The former Middlesbrough and Championship Player of the Year pointed to parallels between the two fanbases and to David Moyes's track record elevating Championship signings such as Tim Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Jarrod Bowen. Messages from England Under-21 teammate Jarrad Branthwaite also reinforced his confidence before he joined the Blues' pre-season camp in Germany.
Is Hayden Hackney Ready to Start Against Crystal Palace?
Monday's Everton news centered on Hackney's readiness after Everton drew 1-1 with Lille in their final pre-season friendly. Quoted by Yahoo Sports, he said: "I can't wait for a Premier League game (here). The atmosphere here – even in a friendly game – was everything I thought it would be." He added that Everton must "start with, hopefully, a win."
On the pitch, Hackney identifies the No. 8 as his strongest role but can also play as a six or ten. He wants to carry the ball forward, break lines and create chances. With Norgaard, Iroegbunam and Garner sidelined, Moyes must decide whether the midfielder starts or begins on the bench at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday.
Where Does Jack Grealish Fit Into Everton's Transfer Plans?
Monday's roundup also brought Jack Grealish back into focus. According to LiveScore, an Everton jury has assessed Grealish transfer talk and sent David Moyes a message before the new Premier League season starts against Crystal Palace.
That debate forms part of a wider pre-season picture in which Moyes still seeks reinforcements, including right-back targets, while concerns persist that Everton could be dragged into a relegation fight without late additions. Grealish remains a talking point rather than a confirmed return as the window stays open.
What Does This Mean for Everton's Season Opener?
Everton enter Saturday against Crystal Palace with Hackney's positivity a notable pre-season theme, yet uncertainty around squad depth remains. LiveScore also reported that Moyes disputes owners' characterizations of last season as a failure, noting European qualification was not set as a target for him.
For more coverage of how modern clubs use data in recruitment and squad planning, visit our Future Tech & AI Wonders hub. Hackney's immediate aim is simple: "playing as many games as I possibly can" while delivering the progressive midfield play Everton recruited him to provide.