A general view of Newcastle United supporters waiting outside the stadium for news of the latest developments in the sale of the club to the Saudi sovereign wealth fund for 300 million-pound ($408 million) takeover in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England Thursday Oct. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
The 28-year-old will return to Newcastle next summer, with no option to buy.
Isaac Hayden is about to leave Newcastle United, but just for the time being.
After spending the entire summer training away from the club, the midfielder is poised to quit Newcastle.
Hayden was one of several senior players who Eddie Howe sought to get rid of, but numerous deals away from St James’ Park fell through.
There was speculation that he would join Premier League side Luton Town, but an agreement could not be reached.
Hayden is now poised to take his talents to Belgium, where he will join Standard Liege on a season-long loan. He will, however, return to the club next summer.
Isaac Hayden set for Standard Liege loan
According to Belgian outlet Le Soir, Standard Liege are going to sign Hayden on loan, but the deal does not include an option or an obligation to buy him next summer.
They state that he has passed his medical with the club, and watched them play on Saturday. Standard Liege drew 1-1 with RWD Molenbeek.
It looks like everything is in place for Hayden to become a Standard Liege player for the year. However, there is no desperation to get the deal done as soon as possible, with the Belgian transfer market open until Wednesday.
However, official confirmation is right around the corner.
While it is fantastic that Hayden is getting a new contract and will be allowed to play football, it is a terrible shame that the contract does not include the option to purchase.
That means he’ll almost certainly be back at Newcastle next summer, when the club will almost certainly face the same difficulties in trying to move him. Hayden’s contract at St James’ Park runs until 2026, so this will be an ongoing issue for the Magpies.
In an ideal world, Hayden flourishes in Belgium and is offered a permanent position with Standard Liege. That depends on how well he does over there and how eager he is to relocate his family.
