Newcastle United midfielder appears to confirm a decision has been made on his future

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Newcastle United will welcome several players back from their loan spells in the next few weeks, but it remains to be seen whether they will remain at the club next season.

Magpies loan manager Shola Ameobi was busy throughout the January transfer window, with many young players joining clubs in the English Football League to gain some much-needed first-team experience.

The most notable departure from Newcastle United’s academy was 20-year-old Alex Murphy, who joined Bolton Wanderers in January. The defender has been a big part of Steven Schumacher’s side that ultimately missed out on the League One play-offs.

Murphy’s time at Bolton was inconsistent. Fans berated him for his performances despite keeping clean sheets and scoring twice.

Elsewhere, Harrison Ashby ended his loan at QPR on a high, putting in a sensational performance to beat Newcastle’s bitter rivals Sunderland on the final day of the season.

With the EFL season coming to an end, another Newcastle loanee has announced his return to Tyneside on social media, but his future at the Magpies is still up in the air.

Isaac Hayden confirms return to Newcastle United from Portsmouth

Defensive midfielder Isaac Hayden has become a forgotten figure at Newcastle after failing to make a single appearance for the Magpies since 2021.

Hayden was a big part of Newcastle’s first-team squad under Steve Bruce, but quickly lost his place in the team when Eddie Howe was appointed head coach. A start in Newcastle’s 4-0 loss to Manchester City at St James’ Park was the last time fans saw the 30-year-old play for the first team. It has been loan spells and academy appearances since then.

After loans to Norwich, Standard Liege and QPR, Hayden played for Newcastle’s under-21s for the first part of the 2024/25 campaign before linking up with former Magpie Matt Ritchie at Portsmouth.

Hayden made 17 appearances to help Portsmouth stay in the Championship. The Jamaican international has shared his thoughts on the loan move on his social media account.

“Job done, safety ensured,” Hayden said on Instagram.  

“Pompey a championship club again next season, which is vital in their rise back to the EPL in years to come. A fantastic club with amazing support and rich heritage, I’m thankful for the opportunity to play for this club.

“Thanks to the owners, Rich and the coaching staff for the chance to come in and try to affect the club in a positive way.

“Thanks to my team mates, a fantastic group with so much quality and heart that will flourish again next season. Thank you to you fans, without you football is nothing, just sorry for the away performances not giving you more good results.

“Wish everyone associated with Portsmouth FC all the best for the future…. PUP.”

Isaac Hayden expected to leave Newcastle United in 2025

Like many players from the former regime, Hayden has barely played under Howe since 2021. The likes of Jeff Hendrick were snubbed almost immediately in favour of other stars and new signings by the Toon boss.

It is clear that Hayden has no future at Newcastle and will be moved on this summer to free up space in the wage bill.

While Hayden is almost a dead cert to leave the Magpies, his comments on social media suggest he may not return to Portsmouth. The summer transfer window is yet to open, but Hayden has already wished Pompey all the best for the future.

Hayden’s contract expires at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, but there is still a chance that sporting director Paul Mitchell could look to bring his time at the club to an amicable end this summer.

Several other players are expected to leave the club alongside Hayden, including forgotten left-back Jamal Lewis.