Midfielder bids heartfelt farewell ahead of Newcastle United summer move

Isaac Hayden is set to return to Newcastle United for pre-season after failing to win promotion from the Championship with Norwich City.

The 28-year-old moved to Carrow Road last summer on a season-long loan deal. The Canaries were obliged to make his stay permanent if they returned to the Premier League at the first attempt but finished 13th, seven points outside the play-offs.

In turn, Hayden struggled to impress the Norwich faithful after injuries restricted him to just 14 appearances. The midfielder twice underwent knee surgery at the beginning of the season and then in January.

Hayden returned for the remaining six games of the campaign but featured in just two.

Following the end of his loan spell, Hayden posted on Instagram: “Thank you @norwichcityfc for welcoming me for this season. It was not what we wanted collectively or individually, but that is football and it does not rain forever, the sun will shine again for this great club.

“I hope this young talented squad get the time and support they need to flourish in the future. Thanks to all teammates and staff for treating me so well. Good luck for the future 💛💚”

Newcastle will again look to move Hayden on this summer. The former Arsenal man, who has played 171 times for the club, is reportedly on £50,000-a-week after signing a new six-year contract back in 2020.

Also set to return to Tyneside in the coming months are Karl Darlow and Jeff Hendrick. Darlow spent the second half of the season at Hull City while Hendrick suffered relegation into the third-tier with Reading following their six points deduction.

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