Isaac Hayden has asked to leave Newcastle after handing in a transfer request.
Newcastle midfielder Hayden, 23, has spoken face-to-face with Rafa Benitez and stressed his decision is purely for exceptional family reasons.
Hayden has made it clear how much he likes St James’s Park, the club’s fans and has the utmost respect for Newcastle boss Benitez.
But ex-Arsenal trainee Hayden, who was born in Chelmsford, is looking to move further south after putting in the request on Friday.
The club is aware of the issue and Hayden is hoping that he is able to move during this transfer window.
It’s a blow for Benitez and disappointing to hear for Hayden on a personal level. He comes across as a very grounded young player and a great lad, but he’s clearly needing to return down south.
This will create an unexpected transfer headache for Rafa Benitez too. Providing he secures a move away, we’ll now be tasked to find a replacement – with Shelvey, Diame and Ki being the only central midfielders left at the club who are in his plans after Mikel Merino’s exit (Saivet and Colback set to be moved on).
Hayden played a big part in our promotion back to the Premier League , playing 38 times in 2016/17, however he was used far more sparingly last season, with himself and Mikel Merino struggling to force their way into the first team after Diame and Shelvey’s formidable form.
That being said, he’s only 23 and had a bright future ahead of him – although his future looks set to be elsewhere after his request to move back down south.
We wish him all the best and really hope this situation gets sorted out in a way that suits all parties.
Have checked out the report in The Mirror & Isaac Hayden has asked to leave #nufc for what are termed 'exceptional family reasons'. Unclear at this stage whether there are any clubs interested in him down south, but not an ideal situation for anyone involved
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) July 14, 2018
Thats fair enough. To be honest, Isaac isn’t exactly at front of queue for team and his loss will hopefully spur Scrooge Ashley to actually finance buying a replacement
All we’ve seen is outgoing, and free transfers in. Wheres the Premier money going that was promised and NOT delivered last season ? We spent the LEAST of every Prem team. And thats a disgrace
Phil Kennedy(Quote)