OPINION
Newcastle United must look to get rid of Isaac Hayden this summer and must greenlight Brighton’s pursuit of the midfielder if they include Oliver Norwood as part of the deal.
The current 6ft 1in tall Magpies midfielder (Transfermarkt) is believed to have handed in a transfer request in order to secure a move to a club that would allow him to be closer to his family, as reported by the Chronicle.
This same report from the 14th of July stated that the Seagulls were pursuing Hayden’s services and were willing to stump up £10million in order to seal a deal.
The Chronicle have since reported that the defensive-minded midfielder was back training with the Magpies’ first-team with Rafa Benitez aiming to persuade him to stay by allowing the player to take regular days off in order for him to spend time with his family.
While the Spanish manager is clearly keen to be flexible in his approach to the player as he doesn’t want him to leave, he is still fighting a losing battle.
If Hayden is truly seeking to be closer to his family then even when given a few extra days off here and there, it’s only going to be a temporary fix.
This same report claims that Benitez is concerned that if Hayden’s exit is sanctioned then a replacement might not be brought it, meaning he’ll be a player short ahead of the new season.
Benitez’s worries are no doubt justified as the Magpies have been slow to get deals done so far in this window but there is an easy way for Hayden’s potential move to Brighton to benefit all those involved.
The Magpies must allow Brighton to stump up some cash for Hayden while also getting them to include defensive midfielder Norwood in a potential deal.
Seagulls manager Chris Hughton previously stated that the 55-capped Northern Ireland international might be on the move this summer.
“Jiri almost went out on loan last season and of course Ollie Norwood did so they are two players who are very much part of what we are doing here but with the opportunity, yes they might go,” said Hughton, as quoted by Hull Live.
Norwood would be the ideal replacement for Hayden as not only does he play in the same position, he is coming off the back of a moral-boosting season with Fulham in the Championship.
The 27-year-old was an important part of the Cottagers’ promotion campaign last season, making 41 appearances for them, and looked a very capable holding midfielder.
Norwood may not have any Premier League experience but after impressing across his 248 appearances in the Championship, looking a level above on plenty of occasions, it is time he was given an opportunity in the top-flight.
Also as Hayden isn’t seen as a guaranteed starter at St James Park with him just being useful cover, Norwood would no doubt be able to cope and deliver the goods in a similar sort of role.
Therefore the Magpies must greenlight Brighton’s reported interest in signing Hayden if they throw in the experienced Norwood as part of the deal in order for Benitez to quickly replace the midfielder.
