Forgotten Newcastle player who Eddie Howe hasn’t picked since 2021 is finally set to leave this month

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Many Newcastle United players have stuck around since Eddie Howe’s appointment.

The Toon boss has seen many players come and go since October 2021, but players from previous management remain despite falling out of favour with Howe.

Newcastle released Jeff Hendrick in the summer alongside Paul Dummett and Matt Ritchie. Hendrick is still without a club following his exit despite loan spells at Reading, QPR and Sheffield Wednesday in previous seasons.

Ryan Fraser was sold to Southampton after falling out of favour with Howe. He’s now struggling for game time at the Saints, who sit rock bottom of the Premier League.

As the January transfer window enters its second week there are longstanding players expected to leave. Martin Dubravka has reportedly agreed personal terms with Saudi Pro-League side Al-Shabab and Miguel Almiron has interest from the MLS and Brazil.

However, a player who hasn’t made an appearance for Newcastle in over three years is now expected to leave the club in January.

Isaac Hayden expected to leave Newcastle in January

It’s been three years since Isaac Hayden last appeared for Newcastle’s first-team in any way. The last senior appearance he made for Newcastle was in a 4-0 defeat to Manchester City at St James’ Park in December 2021.

He was recently seen playing for Newcastle’s Under-21s in October, as they won against Halifax Town in the National League Cup.

According to Darren Witcoop, Hayden is now expected to leave Newcastle in January. He has suggested that there is “strong” interest in the 29-year-old.

In the replies, he also suggests that the move wouldn’t be for a transfer fee. Instead, Hayden’s contract would be terminated, leaving him free to look for a new club at his leisure.

In the last three years, Hayden has spent time on loan at Norwich, Standard Liege and most recently QPR before returning to Tyneside in the summer.

Newcastle are looking to free up their wage bill to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules. Even if the Magpies don’t receive a transfer fee for Hayden, they’ll have an extra £22,000-per-week to add to their budget.

Hayden recently linked up with a former Newcastle manager

Outside of Newcastle, Hayden debuted for the Jamaican national team in November. He received a call-up from former Toon boss Steve McClaren and scored his first goal for the side in a 4-2 defeat to the USA.

McClaren said that Hayden “must leave Newcastle in January” for the sake of his international career, stating that he’s eager to see him return to the level he was playing at under Steve Bruce.

Hayden is contracted to Newcastle until the end of the 2025/26 season, so sporting director Paul Mitchell must now work with the midfielder to find the best solution for the player and the club.