Isaac Hayden will return to Newcastle United this summer after a disappointing season-long loan at Norwich City. The Magpies midfielder said his goodbyes on Tyneside before the 2022/23 campaign, dropping down to the Championship on a temporary basis after missing out on Eddie Howe's 25-man Premier League squad last season.
Despite the fact Hayden only departed Newcastle on loan, the 28-year-old thought it was likely he had played his final game in black and white due to a 'performance clause' in the deal. Norwich, who last season suffered relegation from the Premier League, would sign Hayden permanently should they achieve an instant return to the top flight.
Norwich, however, endured a disappointing campaign, finishing 13th in the league. Hayden missed a huge chunk of the season with a knee injury and issued an emotional farewell to the club on Instagram this week.
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"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," Hayden wrote. "I hope this young talented squad get the time and support they need to flourish in the future. Thanks to all team mates and staff for treating me so well. Good luck for the future."
Hayden suffered a serious knee injury during a one-minute cameo in the 1-1 draw with Reading in December and needed surgery at the beginning of 2023. The Arsenal academy graduate remained with Norwich during his rehab as no release clause was included in his loan move.
Hayden was a fan-favourite at St James' Park for many years but seemed resigned to playing no part in the bright new era on Tyneside. Speaking to Chronicle Live after his Newcastle exit was confirmed, the midfielder admitted he felt it was the right time to move on to pastures new.
"I've had fantastic memories at the club," he said. "Ups and downs throughout it obviously but overall it was a fantastic six years. I've made memories that will last a lifetime for me but it was definitely time in my career to take a different path.
"Football is all about timing and it's time for me to move on and experience a new challenge. The opportunity to go to a club like Norwich with a great structure and a sporting director that I know well in Stuart Webber, once I heard they were interested it was an easy deal to make."
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