Isaac Hayden celebrates after scoring a goal (Getty Images)
Newcastle’s official website have confirmed that Isaac Hayden and Karl Darlow have penned new long-term deals with the club that will keep them at St. James Park till 2026 and 2025 respectively.
Isaac Hayden started his youth career at Brentwood Boys FC before moving to Southend United in 2004. Four years later, he joined Arsenal’s academy and even managed to feature for the first-team twice.
He went on loan to Hull City in the 2015-16 season and after that, in 2016, Newcastle bought him on a permanent deal. He was an integral part of the club’s promotion campaign in 2017. Since then, he has settled in well and has become an important part of the Magpies’ recent campaigns (source – Transfermarkt)
Hayden has also been a part of England’s youth sides but is yet to make an appearance for the senior team.
Over the last four seasons, Isaac Hayden has been a huge contributor in Newcastle’s bid to gain promotion from the EFL Championship, and survival in the Premier League. He has played over 20 league games in each of the last three seasons and even scored 5 goals and provided 10 assists during his time at the club despite being a defensive midfielder.
Hayden is a very versatile player who has featured for Newcastle United in multiple positions apart from his base position of defensive midfield. He has played at centre-back, in central midfield, and also at right-back and right-midfield.
For a player who has shown so much commitment to a club ever since signing in 2016, a new and long-term deal is a just reward. He has played under Rafa Benitez and now Steve Bruce. Both managers have used Hayden heavily in their line-ups.
He has served the club well in times of their need and has played in whichever position the manager has wanted. The player has shown no sign of resent towards anyone at the club and has been a model professional.
Yes, a six year deal is a huge commitment in modern football but it is one that he deserves thoroughly and it is the right decision by the club.