Queens Park Rangers have been handed a boost in their hopes of bringing Isaac Hayden back to the club this summer as Newcastle United are looking to offload him, according to the latest reports.
Hayden spent the first half of the season on loan in Belgium with Standard Liege, and despite making 10 appearances with the Belgian outfit, the versatile midfielder was recalled by the Magpies and sent back out on loan, this time to Loftus Road.
When the former Hull City and Arsenal man moved to West London in January, Marti Cifuentes’ side were desperately trying to get out of the relegation zone. The 29-year-old made 17 appearances in the Championship under the Spanish coach as QPR finished the campaign six points above the bottom three following an incredible run to end the season.
While Hayden was not the first name on Cifuentes’ teamsheet, he still proved to be a valuable squad player. Over the course of his time on loan at Queens Park Rangers, the Newcastle star appeared in every single game en route to the club’s survival in the second tier.
Following his final home match at Loftus Road, which was an emphatic 4-0 victory over Leeds United, Hayden wrote quite a moving message to the QPR supporters [quotes via the Shields Gazette]:
“Where to start, from joining on Feb 1st in the relegation zone to ending the season today with a 3rd victory in a row and securing safety… it has been a pleasure to play for this club.
“It is a time I will always remember and hold onto very fondly. Who knows what the future may bring but it’s been an honour and I’m sure this club is going one way and that’s up. Forever a ranger u rrrsssss.”
Nevertheless, Queens Park Rangers still have the opportunity to sign Hayden this summer. According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle United are willing to part ways with the midfielder who has been on the books since 2016.
Writer’s View
The Magpies, who are currently making a push for play-off football, are keen to listen to offers for Hayden over the coming months to free up space on the wage bill, although it’s not clear whether Queens Park Rangers will be able to pay the figure necessary to sign him permanently.
Nevertheless, there is also a possibility that the Geordie club release Hayden from his contract as he still has two years remaining, meaning QPR would just need to pay his wages, although this scenario seems unlikely.
Deputy Head of Writing
