After Scotland crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage, there’s every chance that David Moyes‘ summer could have been ruined, especially if he had plans to join his compatriots in their new-found second home.
Everton are hoping to make sure he forgets all about that early exit, however.
The Toffees have wasted little time before getting their business underway, agreeing a deal to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough worth around £25m with add-ons.
It’s an impressive statement from those on Merseyside at a time when midfielders are coming at a premium, but their business is far from over.
Everton already in talks to land next signing
After missing out on European football by a matter of points last season, Everton entered this summer knowing that there’s not a lot between them and the top eight.
It’s a credit to the work Moyes has done since returning, but that work only needs to continue in the transfer market. Hackney is a brilliant start and rumours suggest that the Friedkin Group are ready to back Everton even further in the coming months.
To that end, names like Jarrod Bowen have threatened to steal the headlines in recent weeks. He could still form an impressive reunion with Moyes on Merseyside, although it remains to be seen just how loyal he’ll be to West Ham United.
If it’s not Bowen, then it’s clear that the Toffees still want attacking additions. According to reporter Ben Jacobs, Everton are now in “advanced talks” to sign Tyrique George from Chelsea this summer.
The Toffees are seeking a permanent deal for last season’s loanee and are working on a package below the £25m option to buy they had in the terms of his loan move. It’s stated that after club-to-club discussions, an agreement is now close.
After Hackney, everything could speed up to the point that a deal is agreed in the first days of July.
Why Hackney and George could form an instant duo at Everton
Everton fans didn’t get to see enough of George last season. The 20-year-old arrived on loan as a young player desperately lacking minutes. It was always a big ask for him to find his feet straight away. A permanent deal makes sense for that very reason, however.
This is still an attacking gem full of potential and someone who is still so young. And that’s what Everton are investing in. There will be no rush to make an impact from the off this time around. George can settle in to what could be his long-term destination.
What will certainly help this time around is the addition of Hackney alongside him. The Boro man is a ball recovery artist and combines that ability out of possession with his ability to make a line-breaking pass. It’s perfect for someone like George, who prefers the ball to feet.
|
Hayden Hackney 25/26 |
|
|---|---|
|
Final third passes |
848 |
|
Chances created |
83 |
|
Recoveries |
205 |
|
Possession win in final third |
33 |
Those numbers should excite George. Every opportunity he gets, Hackney intends on playing forward. The service will be undeniable. It’s just up to George to use that service.
It’s the type of service which also failed to arrive at times last season. Only James Garner could get close to Hackney on that front, with 585 final third passes, and that far from helped George, who ended the campaign with an xG of just 0.63.
Expected Goals (xG) is a metric designed to measure the probability of a shot resulting in a goal.
Signing Hackney before anyone else was always the correct choice and it makes perfect sense that Everton are only accelerating their move for George after welcoming the creator to supply the young forward.
After 353 minutes, a low xG and just ten shots, the £20m forward must get better service at the Hill Dickinson next season and he must earn more starts under Moyes.
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