Newcastle United and Portsmouth are in talks over Isaac Hayden’s transfer, marking the potential end of his nine-year journey at St. James’ Park and a new chapter for the former Arsenal prospect.
Newcastle United are in advanced discussions with Portsmouth to offload Isaac Hayden, a player whose professional journey began at Arsenal.
The 29-year-old midfielder, earning £50,000 a week, has two years remaining on his Newcastle contract but has been out of the first-team picture since 2021, which explains why I thought he must have left the Magpies long ago.
After loan spells at Norwich, Standard Liege, and Queens Park Rangers, Hayden has spent this season training with Newcastle’s reserves.
Hayden’s career began when he joined Arsenal’s academy in 2008 at the age of 13, leaving Southend United before rising through the ranks. Known for his versatility, capable of excelling as a defensive midfielder or centre-back, he made his senior debut for Arsenal in a League Cup match against West Bromwich Albion in 2013.
While Arsenal won on penalties that night, Hayden’s opportunities remained scarce, restricted to just two senior appearances under Arsène Wenger, with fierce competition for places limiting his pathway to regular football.
Despite captaining Arsenal’s under-21 team, Hayden sought a move to secure more game time. In 2016, he joined Newcastle United for a reported £2.5 million.
Under Rafa Benítez, Hayden became a pivotal figure in Newcastle’s promotion-winning midfield. However, his role diminished over time, particularly after Eddie Howe took charge in 2021, making it clear that Hayden was not part of his long-term plans.
Hayden has since embraced loan moves to continue playing, though he struggled to secure a permanent transfer. Now, with Portsmouth showing serious interest, a new chapter may be on the horizon for the former Arsenal academy graduate.
Reflecting on his time under Howe, Hayden remains positive: “I have nothing but great things to say about Eddie Howe as a person. He’s a top-level coach; probably the best I’ve had in terms of man-management.”
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