Newcastle United are looking to make new additions to their squad this summer, but they must also prepare to sell more unwanted players.
The summer transfer window is not exactly going to plan for the Magpies, despite the signing of Anthony Elanga.
Eddie Howe wants to improve multiple positions at Newcastle United this summer, with a right-sided centre-back and striker high on his list of priorities. Elanga joining Newcastle from Nottingham Forest ended a long wait for a quality right-winger, with the position subject to many problems since the takeover in 2021.
In the meantime, Newcastle have been busy with departures. It was confirmed that Callum Wilson was leaving Newcastle after five seasons on Tyneside, while Sean Longstaff was officially confirmed as a Leeds United player on Friday evening.
The futures of several other players remain a doubt, with the likes of Matt Targett and Joe Willock subject to speculation. Meanwhile, a forgotten Newcastle player simply has to be sold this summer. He has not featured for the Magpies since 2021.
Newcastle United must sell Isaac Hayden this summer
Newcastle midfielder Isaac Hayden has had a strange few years in his career. The 30-year-old was initially part of Howe’s matchday squads when he was appointed manager in 2021, but he was quickly shunned and has not played for the club in almost four years.
Hayden’s last appearance for Newcastle came during a 4-0 loss to Manchester City in December 2021. He played 61 minutes and has not been seen in the first team since. Hayden missed the rest of the 2021/22 campaign due to knee surgery and was quickly loaned to Norwich City in the 2022 summer transfer window.
Loans at Standard Liege and QPR followed before Hayden joined Portsmouth on loan in 2025. The midfielder had a good time on loan at the Championship club, linking up with former Newcastle man Matt Ritchie on the South Coast. Unfortunately, Portsmouth could not afford to sign him on a permanent deal.
With Hayden set to play with the reserves next season, a resolution must be found this summer. He is out of contract at the end of next season, so Newcastle must take what little chance they have of getting a transfer fee for him.
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What Newcastle United can do to sell Isaac Hayden
Unfortunately, selling Hayden this summer is easier said than done. Hayden earns around £22,000-a-week at Newcastle, a wage that very few Championship clubs can afford.
Newcastle have options which would see Hayden leave the club, but none of them are financially beneficial.
Newcastle could loan Hayden out for another season, but an agreement over wages would have to be reached between any interested parties. Additionally, Newcastle could waive any transfer fees and allow him to leave for free.
A third option is for Hayden and Newcastle to come to a mutual agreement which would see his contract end a year early. However, that could see them forced to pay Hayden his wages up front. A resolution would give Hayden a better chance of having a successful career elsewhere.
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