Isaac Hayden has confirmed his intentions to quit Newcastle United in the summer despite an excellent end to the season according to the Daily Star.
The national newspaper claim Hayden’s admission has alerted two of Newcastle’s Premier League rivals ahead of the transfer window with Brighton and West Ham both expressing interest in the 24-year-old.
The Daily Star report that Newcastle will be looking for a fee over £20million for the 24-year-old despite the midfielder making his desire to leave public.
Hayden told the Daily Star: “I think I will be going, I have spoken to the club about it and they’ve been open and honest with me.”
With hopes of an international call-up in the future, he went on to add: “It’s unfortunate but the club know my stance and have known it for a year now. There are no excuses going into the summer. It’s about getting the deal right for the club and for myself.”
The former Arsenal man has been clear throughout the season that this could be last season at Newcastle with Hayden looking for a move down south.
Good move for Newcastle?
It will be good for Newcastle to give Hayden what he want’s and let him leave the club. The departure of a player who doesn’t want to be at the club is right for all involved. If they can get the mentioned £20million fee for the English midfielder it would be a no-brainer, as after-all they only purchased Hayden for £2.9million from Arsenal in 2016. It would be a great profit for the club and will allow Rafael Benitez the opportunity to go out and replace him in the summer.
Hayden may have regularly featured for the Magpies this season but he isn’t irreplaceable.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to Happen?
Although this is disappointing news for all involved at Newcastle, it was also inevitable after Hayden’s earlier admission in the season regarding his future. It is no secret that Benitez has had conversations with his midfielder and although he seems reluctant to let him leave, it looks certain to happen. With teams lining up for his signature, the club has no option but to sell Hayden who by his own comments, is ready to leave. Hayden has the desire to move south and one of the clubs interested is Brighton, he nearly joined last summer according to the Chronicle, and their interest will surely attract the midfielder once more in the transfer window.
This is Futbol rating: 10/10