Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden has suggested that his future could depend on whether Rafael Benitez remains in charge at St James’ Park or whether he departs the club this summer.
Hayden has confirmed in the past that he is keen to make a move away from Newcastle, wanting to move closer to his family down south, and Sunday’s 4-0 win at Fulham on Sunday could potentially be his final game for the club.
The 24-year-old has emerged as an important player for Newcastle in the second half of the season, despite wanting to leave the club, and has now outlined how Benitez’s future at the club could impact on whether he is allowed to leave St James’ Park.
“It’s the same as always. We will see what happens in the summer but I have had plenty of talks with the club in the last couple of weeks. The signs have been very positive. I’ll see what happens,” Hayden told the Chronicle.
“I don’t think the club will do anything without the manager’s say so. Especially if he stays. He has been very receptive and honest with me and I can’t thank him enough for the season I’ve had. He has been understanding of the situation.”
OPINION
Hayden’s desire to leave Newcastle this summer is very disappointing for the Magpies, after the 24-year-old has been in impressive form since the turn of the year. However, he has probably earned the right to be allowed to leave the club to be closer to his family, given the professionalism he has shown throughout the campaign despite wanting to leave the club. His future, along with a lot of things at St James’ Park this summer, is as he suggests up in the air at the moment, until a solution is found regarding Benitez’s future. Newcastle will be keen to convince the Spaniard to remain at the club. but if Benitez feels he not be backed enough to get his side challenging nearer the top of the Premier League table then he is likely to decide to leave. For Hayden though he will be hoping that situation is sorted swiftly so that the club can get on with sorting the midfielder a permanent move away from the club.
