Bruce favourite says he cannot rule out returning to Newcastle in 2024

Add as preferred source on Google

Standard Liege loanee Isaac Hayden suggests he rejected a move to the Championship while refusing to rule out a return to Premier League high-flyers Newcastle United in 2024. 

Following Jeff Hendrick, Ryan Fraser, Ciaran Clark and Karl Darlow out the door over the summer, Isaac Hayden’s shock switch to Belgium’s top-flight felt like Newcastle United drawing a line under and wiping their hands clean of the Steve Bruce and Mike Ashley era. 

Hayden, Fraser, Hendrick and became something akin to relics of an old and highly-unpopular regime. 

One of the longest-serving members of the Newcastle squad, 28-year-old Hayden joined Standard Liege on loan, preferring a clean break in a new country rather than drop down – once again – to a division he has played in for three different club. 

Isaac Hayden looks finished at Newcastle United

“Standard is a great club, with fantastic fans. Their way of supporting is incredible. I’m happy with my start but we can reach a better level,” Hayden tells Walfoot. 

“I had options in England. But, as I got older I wanted to try something different. I will be 29 at the end of the season. It was the right time for me to try a new championship, a new challenge.

“With no disrespect to the Championship, I think I’m better than that when I’m at my best. I have played for three of the best teams in the division (Newcastle, Hull City and Norwich).

“I know what I can do when I am fit, and I preferred to change leagues to continue performing at a high level.” 

‘We’ll see if I want to return

Hayden rapidly fell out of favour following Bruce’s departure. He did not make a single Premier League appearance in last season.

With a contract until 2026 at St James’ Park, however, the one-time Arsenal youngster is reluctant to draw a line under his Newcastle career, the revival of Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Sean Longstaff and co under Howe acting as inspiration. 

“I was playing every game for Newcastle, got injured and didn’t play again,” Hayden adds. “Things can happen very quickly in football. My focus is only on Standard, and we’ll see if one day I want to return to England.”