Leeds United are still waiting to officially unveil Harry Wilson after confirming Pascal Struijk’s departure, but elsewhere in the Premier League, rivals are already accelerating their transfer business ahead of the new campaign.
Daniel Farke and the Leeds recruitment team remain focused on strengthening key areas of the squad before pre-season gets fully underway, with central midfield viewed as one of the club’s biggest priorities. However, while Leeds continue to negotiate for their preferred targets, several clubs around them are wasting little time in completing deals.
Tottenham have already invested heavily in the market as they look to avoid another disappointing season, while Everton have also moved quickly to strengthen David Moyes’ squad. Their latest signing has particular significance for Leeds, as it involves one of the Championship’s standout performers who had been strongly linked with a move to Elland Road throughout recent months.
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While Leeds continue working behind the scenes on several negotiations, it has become increasingly clear that the Whites have refined their transfer strategy. Instead of pursuing every available Championship star, the club are prioritising players who fit Daniel Farke’s tactical blueprint and the demands of Premier League football.
One player who appeared destined to become a Leeds signing earlier this summer was Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
Everton complete Hayden Hackney signing
After weeks of speculation, Everton officially confirmed the signing of Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough on a five-year contract. The Toffees are understood to have agreed an initial fee of around £16.5 million, with performance-related add-ons potentially taking the overall package close to £24-25 million.
Hackney arrives on Merseyside after enjoying a sensational 2025/26 campaign with Middlesbrough. The 24-year-old captained Michael Carrick’s side for large parts of the season and established himself as arguably the finest midfielder in the Championship.
His performances earned him the Championship Player of the Season award after producing an outstanding all-round campaign that combined technical quality with leadership. Although Middlesbrough narrowly missed out on promotion following defeat in the play-off final, Hackney’s reputation continued to soar and attracted interest from several Premier League clubs.
Leeds were among those monitoring his progress, alongside Crystal Palace, Tottenham and Nottingham Forest, but Everton ultimately won the race.
Hackney came through Middlesbrough’s academy and leaves his boyhood club having made well over 150 senior appearances, scoring 16 goals while developing into one of English football’s brightest midfield talents. His composure in possession, ability to carry the ball through midfield and impressive passing range made him one of the most sought-after players outside the Premier League.
Speaking after completing the move, Hackney admitted Everton’s ambition and David Moyes played decisive roles in his decision.
The midfielder revealed that a conversation with Moyes convinced him the move was the perfect next step, highlighting the manager’s history of successfully developing Championship players into established Premier League performers. Hackney also pointed to Everton’s new stadium project and long-term vision as major attractions.
Leeds shifted attention to Shea Charles
Although Hackney was firmly on Leeds’ shortlist earlier this summer, the Whites have gradually redirected their efforts towards Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.
Negotiations between Leeds and Southampton remain ongoing despite the Saints rejecting two bids for the Northern Ireland international. Leeds remain optimistic that a compromise can eventually be reached, with Charles continuing to be viewed as Daniel Farke’s preferred midfield addition.
The decision to focus on Charles effectively allowed Everton to gain a clear run at Hackney.
Rather than searching for another creative midfielder, Leeds are prioritising a player capable of shielding the defence while also offering tactical flexibility. Charles comfortably fits that description.
Despite still being only 22 years old, Charles already possesses valuable Premier League experience following his move from Manchester City to Southampton. He also enjoyed an excellent Championship campaign, impressing with his positional discipline, ball-winning ability and maturity beyond his years.
One of Charles’ biggest strengths is his versatility. While naturally a defensive midfielder, he has regularly operated as a centre-back and even filled in at full-back when required. That flexibility makes him particularly attractive to Daniel Farke, who values players capable of performing multiple tactical roles throughout a demanding Premier League season.
The Leeds boss has reportedly admired Charles for well over 18 months and believes the Northern Ireland international possesses the intelligence and defensive awareness required to succeed in his system.
Different profiles, different priorities
Although both Hackney and Charles play centrally, they offer contrasting qualities.
Hackney is widely regarded as a progressive midfielder who thrives when driving attacks forward. His ability to break opposition lines with passing, carry possession into dangerous areas and dictate the tempo made him one of the Championship’s most creative midfielders.
Statistics from last season underline his influence. He ranked among the league leaders for passes into the final third while also recording outstanding ball recovery numbers, demonstrating that he contributes both offensively and defensively.
Charles, meanwhile, is viewed as a more disciplined defensive midfielder.
His strengths lie in reading danger, breaking up opposition attacks and providing protection for the back four. With Ethan Ampadu already expected to play an important role in midfield, Leeds appear keen to add another player capable of winning duels, controlling transitions and giving the side greater defensive stability.
That tactical requirement explains why Leeds have gradually cooled their interest in Hackney despite recognising his obvious quality.
The Whites are not necessarily looking for the most exciting midfielder available. Instead, they want the profile that best complements the existing squad.
Leeds remain patient despite transfer setback
Missing out on Hackney will undoubtedly disappoint sections of the Leeds support, particularly after months of links with the Middlesbrough star.
However, it does not appear to have significantly altered the club’s recruitment plans.
The Whites remain fully committed to securing Shea Charles and believe the Southampton midfielder is the better tactical fit for Daniel Farke’s long-term vision.
Leeds have already demonstrated throughout this transfer window that they are prepared to walk away from deals if valuations become excessive, preferring to wait for opportunities that make both sporting and financial sense.
With Harry Wilson’s unveiling still expected shortly and negotiations continuing for additional reinforcements, the club remain confident that several more arrivals will follow before the Premier League season begins.
Everton may have landed one of the Championship’s biggest stars in Hayden Hackney, but Leeds believe their own patience could ultimately deliver the midfield profile they have been searching for all summer.
If the Whites can finally reach an agreement with Southampton over Shea Charles, Daniel Farke will secure the defensive midfielder he has admired for more than a year—a player the club believe is perfectly suited to helping Leeds establish themselves back in the Premier League.
