Championship duo QPR and Derby County are battling it out to sign free agent midfielder Isaac Hayden, following his release by Premier League club Newcastle United.
Hayden has been without a club since leaving the Magpies just over two weeks ago, despite having a year to run on his current deal. The Jamaican hadn’t played for Eddie Howe’s side since 2021, when he played in a 4-0 defeat to Manchester City.
He has spent plenty of time out on loan, in Belgium with Standard Liege where he would play just 11 times. He has also had a few loan spells in England with Norwich City, where he appeared 14 times, QPR at the end of last season, playing 17 times and Portsmouth, also 17 outings to name but a few.
Who is Isaac Hayden
The 30-year-old made his debut for first club Arsenal in 2013 in a game against West Bromwich Albion, after coming through the ranks at the Gunners. He would only make two senior appearances for the North London club and he would arrive in East Yorkshire in 2015, joining Hull City on loan. Hayden scored one goal and gained an assist during his time with the Tigers as he appeared 24 times.
This would lead into arguably the most successful part of his career as he arrived at Newcastle United in 2016. He would make 171 appearances for the Magpies, with 17 goal involvements in that time. Hayden also has international honours to his name with seven appearances for the Jamaican national team.
The Interested Clubs
QPR
Hayden would be the second signing in the past few days if it does happen, following Richard Kone arriving at QPR from League One side Wycombe Wanderers. Kone followed Rumarn Burrell, Kealey Adamson, Kwame Poku, Amadou Salif-Mbengue and Karamoko Dembele through the Loftus Road door as new man Julien Stephan looks to establish his own squad since taking over from Marti Cifuentes.
Derby County
Derby have been just as busy this summer, the pick of the signings being Patrick Agyemang. Agyemang has been followed into Pride Park by Rhiann Brewster, Andras Weimann, Danny Batth, Richard O’Donnell and Carlton Morris.
How Did They Get On Last Season?
Both team were mid-table as QPR finished in 15th in the Championship, whilst Derby County flirted with relegation quite a bit, eventually finishing in 19th in the second tier. It is clear to see why both teams need to strengthen their squads.
What Would Isaac Hayden Offer?
Hayden would bring a wealth of experience from his time with Newcastle United combined with his several loans that he has endured. The Midfielder could struggle to even get into the QPR side, The R’s already have the likes of Sam Field, Kieran Morgan, Jonathan Varane and Nicolai Madsen in the engine room. Following his loan at Loftus Road, surely the QPR interest is a bit more concrete.
Derby County have had bids rejected for Blackburn Rovers man Lewis Travis as John Eustace returns to his former club. Could Hayden be signed instead of Travis if a fee cannot be reached by the two clubs? County already have the likes of Bobby Clark, Kenzo Goudmijn, Ebou Adams, Ben Osborn and Liam Thompson in the centre of midfield.
With Hayden being a free agent, this would not need to be finalised by the end of the transfer window. His experience could prove to be invaluable to whichever team he joins. Several other Championship sides have also shown interest including Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City and Portsmouth.
Who do you see Isaac Hayden joining? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
