Everton‘s summer recruitment drive is now gathering momentum.
The Toffees are expected to complete the signing of Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney after making a breakthrough in negotiations.
Everton have agreed a deal worth £16.5 million up front, with add-ons potentially taking the package to £25 million.
The Championship Player of the Season enjoyed an outstanding campaign for Middlesbrough, earning widespread praise for his passing range, composure in possession and ability to dictate the tempo of matches.
Everton are also making real progress in their pursuit of Chelsea winger Tyrique George.
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The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Goodison Park, making 11 appearances, and Everton are now negotiating a permanent deal structured around a lower initial fee with performance-related add-ons.
Everton have now also turned their attention towards adding further quality in midfield after Hackney.
Everton open talks with Parma over Mandela Keita
According to Sky Italia, Everton have opened discussions with both Parma and Mandela Keita’s representatives over a possible transfer.
The report states contact has now been made on both sides as the club step up their interest in the Belgium international.
Keita joined Parma from Royal Antwerp in 2024 and has quickly established himself as one of the Italian club’s most dependable midfielders.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
Sky Sport Italia is generally regarded as a reliable source for Italian football news, particularly for transfer updates involving Serie A clubs. It has strong access to clubs, agents and intermediaries within Italy, though like all transfer outlets, early reports can sometimes develop or change before deals are fully agreed, so don’t take it as gospel. |
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Finances |
Everton’s finances have improved under The Friedkin Group, with recent accounts showing a far smaller loss and revenue close to £200m, but the club are still operating under strict Premier League Squad Cost Ratio rules that cap squad spending at 85 per cent of football income. With Hayden Hackney already costing up to £25m including add-ons, Everton’s remaining headroom is limited and likely depends on staggered payments or player sales. A Mandela Keita deal, likely £20–30m, would therefore need careful structuring within SCR limits, meaning it is feasible but only if Everton balance wages, amortisation and overall squad costs. |
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Insight |
Mandela Keita is a Belgian defensive midfielder who developed at OH Leuven before moving to Royal Antwerp, where he broke through with strong ball-winning displays. He joined Parma in 2024 and quickly became a regular in Serie A. A combative yet composed midfielder, he excels at breaking up play, covering ground and recycling possession simply. Keita is also comfortable operating in a double pivot, offering balance rather than creativity. His style is built on physicality, tactical discipline and consistency, making him a reliable shield in front of the defence at club and international level with Belgium. |
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Impact |
Keita would add physicality and defensive balance to Everton’s midfield, complementing Hayden Hackney’s more progressive style and fellow options like James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam. His ability to win duels, cover ground and recycle possession quickly would suit Moyes’ system. |
The midfielder has also attracted attention from Spurs and Aston Villa, according to some reports, with Premier League sides taking note of his Serie A exploits.
Why Everton are interested in Mandela Keita
Before moving to Italy, Keita developed in Belgium with OH Leuven before making his name at Royal Antwerp.
The 24-year-old’s performances there earned him a move to Serie A and eventually senior international recognition with Belgium.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, Keita has built a reputation for winning possession, reading danger early and keeping the game moving with simple, effective passing.
His ability to cover ground has also made him an important player without the ball, allowing teammates greater freedom further forward.
Sky Italia’s latest update suggests discussions remain at an early stage, but the fact Everton have contacted both Parma and the player’s representatives indicates their interest is becoming more concrete.
Parma are understood to value Keita highly after his first two seasons in Italy and are under no immediate pressure to sanction a sale, with the midfielder tied to a long-term contract until 2029.
That means Everton may need to submit a significant offer if they decide to formalise their interest over the coming weeks.
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