Newcastle United are expected to sell several players in the summer transfer window, and one of them has publicly commented on his future.
With European nights returning for the 2025/26 campaign, the Magpies need new faces at the club to bolster their attacking options and push them even further up the Premier League table next season.
While Newcastle United fans should be excited at the prospect of new additions, it means that other players need to be moved on.
Callum Wilson is expected to leave Newcastle this summer upon the expiry of his contract. The striker joined Newcastle in 2020 and was an integral part of the 2022/23 campaign, which saw the club return to the Champions League. Wilson is frustrated at his lack of minutes for Newcastle this season, admitting it has been tough to get in the starting XI ahead of Alexander Isak.
Additionally, Sean Longstaff’s Newcastle future is in doubt. The midfielder lost his place in the starting XI after Sandro Tonali returned from his ban and has not been able to win it back since. Longstaff is wanted by Everton and Leeds this summer, but could still stay to help with UEFA registration rules.
Now, a forgotten Newcastle player has talked openly about a recent loan move and possible next steps this summer.
- READ MORE – Sandro Tonali says £10m Newcastle United player is the most underrated he’s ever played with
Isaac Hayden confirms return to Newcastle United after Portsmouth loan
Isaac Hayden has not featured in a single competitive game for Newcastle since December 2021. The midfielder fell completely out of favour with Eddie Howe and has spent the last three seasons out on loan.
A season at Norwich before stints at Standard Liege and QPR followed. Hayden spent the second half of the current campaign at Championship side Portsmouth.
Hayden helped save Portsmouth from relegation back to League One, making 17 appearances alongside former Newcastle player Matt Ritchie. At the end of the season, Hayden thanked Portsmouth fans for their support during his time at the club and alluded to his future being away from the Championship side.
In a recent interview with Portsmouth News, Hayden has confirmed that he will not be making a permanent move down south and will return to Newcastle for the time being.
“When I came to the club initially it was a “you help me and I’ll help you situation”. I don’t think there’s anything more than that,” he said.
“I think financially it’s a little bit of a difficult conversation and also when I spoke to people at the end of January when I signed, the situation was the club want to go in a younger direction. I don’t think they want to go with players who are my age and above.
“So it’s one of those where they gave me the games and the platform to play, I’ve played, done well and we’ve stayed up – everyone’s a winner.
“I knew already for a while it was going to be a situation like that, and they were the circumstances I was coming here under.”
Isaac Hayden’s future at Newcastle United after Portsmouth decision
Upon signing in 2016, Hayden was a promising young defensive midfielder who had a bright future ahead of him. He helped Newcastle return to the Premier League in the 2016/17 campaign and became a regular name in Rafa Benitez’s starting XI for the next two seasons.
He enjoyed minutes under Steve Bruce where his most memorable moment in a Newcastle shirt occurred. His late header to beat Chelsea at St James’ Park will live long in the memory.
Things did not work out for him under Howe, and Hayden now looks set for another season in the club’s reserves if a transfer or loan does not come to fruition.
Hayden played for Newcastle’s under-21s in 2024, helping them win in the National League Cup against Halifax Town.
After the Carabao Cup win in March, Hayden praised Joelinton for his efforts against Liverpool. The 30-year-old referred to the Brazilian as the ‘best player on the park’.
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