Isaac Hayden left Newcastle United during the summer, signing for Norwich City on loan. When the deal was announced, it was confirmed that he would become a permanent Canary ‘should specific performance-related criteria be met’.
At the time, it was not confirmed what the specific criteria was. However, the Telegraph have now provided an update on Hayden’s future.
They have reported that there is a clause in the deal that states he will sign for Norwich permanently if they win promotion to the Premier League.
There is a decent chance that will happen, with Dean Smith’s side already in contention to go up from the Championship. After 10 games, Norwich are second in the table, three points behind leaders Sheffield United.
The Newcastle owners will be hoping Norwich do achieve promotion, as they will be keen to get Hayden permanently off the wage bill.
Newcastle still covering large part of Isaac Hayden’s wages despite signing for Norwich on loan
At the moment, the Magpies are still paying a portion of the 27-year-old’s wages. Norwich are only paying Hayden £20,000-a-week, with the rest of his £50,000-a-week plus pay package being covered by Newcastle.
That’s a common issue at St James’ Park at the moment. Various players are still being paid despite leaving during the summer transfer window.
But while Norwich have started the season well, they are yet to be able to utilise Hayden. He picked up a knee injury in pre-season, and has now suffered a setback after nearing a return.
Regardless, he will be a permanent Norwich player if they go up, whether he plays an important role or not.
Even if Norwich don’t win promotion and the deal isn’t made permanent, it feels like Hayden’s Newcastle career is over. Given how popular he was at St James’ Park, it was sad to see him depart this summer.
The midfielder had a great career on Tyneside, and was always reliable during some tough years for the club. Hayden was an incredible professional in black and white, willing to do a job all over the pitch.
He was forced to play at centre-back at times under Steve Bruce, and was called ‘superb‘ for his performances in that position by Alan Shearer.
Now Norwich are the team who will benefit from Hayden’s commitment and professionalism – once he returns from injury. And his loan move will become a permanent transfer if they make it back to the Premier League.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
