Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden has been frozen out of the squad by head coach Eddie Howe and has been made available for transfer, according to Football Insider.
Hayden was an integral member of Newcastle’s squad during the Rafael Benitez era and even during Steve Bruce’s reign at the club due to his ability to play in midfield, at centre-back and as a fullback.
During his early days as a youngster with Arsenal, legendary manager Arsene Wenger had some incredibly positive words to say about Hayden when selecting him for an EFL Cup game back in 2013 [ quotes via Arsenal’s official website]:
“I like his capacity of concentration and I believe as well that technically he is very focused to do well.
“He is maybe not a creative player but everything he does is intelligent.”
Football Insider are reporting that West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough, Millwall and Queens Park Rangers are all keen to sign the 28-year-old and will battle it out for his signature.
Hayden has played just a handful of games under Howe and was sent out on loan to Norwich City last season where he made 14 appearances for the Canaries in England’s second-tier but spent the majority of the 2022/23 campaign at Carrow Road hampered with injuries.
The former England U21 international still has a contract at St. James’ Park until 2026 but has been deemed surplus to requirement by the Magpies boss and has also been asked to train away from the first-team squad.
Writer’s View
Hayden is a player with Championship experience, having spent the 2015/16 campaign helping Hull City back to the Premier League before signing for Newcastle United permanently the following season and achieving the same feat.
At Norwich City last season, the versatile midfielder spent a long time on the sidelines but is now fit once more and could be a valuable asset for all four clubs vying for his signature.
