Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden has reaffirmed his desire to leave the club in the summer, ahead of Rafa Benitez’s sides final Premier League game of the season, according to the Telegraph.
The newspaper reports that Hayden, who is valued at £20million, is determined to leave St James’ Park this summer, after he reluctantly agreed to stay at the club last summer despite wanting to move back down south to be closer with his family after his partner had a baby.
The 24-year-old has been one of Newcastle’s best players since the turn of the year, after regaining his place in Benitez’s midfield following injuries to other players, but now wants Sunday’s final game of the season against Fulham to be his last game for the club.
“I think I will be going. I have spoken to the club and they’ve been open and honest about it with me,” the midfielder told the Telegraph after Newcastle’s defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.
I’m pretty sure this will be my last game at home. In football, you never know, so I can’t say for definite, although it’s looking like my last game here.”
“Nothing has changed. It’s not what’s best for me or my family for me to be here next season and to be doing the travelling I’ve done this season. It’s unfortunate but the club knw my stance and have known for a year now. There is no excuse going into this summer. It’s about getting the right deal for the club and myself.”
OPINION
Losing the presence of Hayden would be a big loss for Newcastle next season, as Benitez, if he remains in charge, will be looking to push the Magpies up towards the top half of the table. Hayden has been in excellent form since regaining his place in Newcastle’s starting line-up, and has been a key figure for Benitez’s side push for Premier League survival. However, there appears little can be done to persuade the 24-year-old to stay at St James’ Park, so a move for both parties is probably the best way forward now in the summer transfer window. Hayden deserves credit for still remaining professional this season despite wanting to leave the club, and for that reason now probably deserves the club to do the right thing for him and sanction a summer move. However, Newcastle will not sell Hayden lightly with teams needing to match their valuation for the player if he is to be allowed to leave the club.
