QPR tipped to beat Watford and Derby County to sign ex Premier League midfielder.
The former Newcastle United midfielder is expected to move to the Championship in the coming weeks.
QPR are expected to beat Watford and Derby County to sign former Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden as a free agent after his departure from St James’ Park this summer.
The 30-year-old had not played for the Magpies since December 2021 and had not been a part of Eddie Howe’s plans in previous seasons.
Even with Newcastle United struggling in the transfer window, this was unlikely to change anytime soon.
Hayden still had a year left on his lengthy six-year contract signed in the North East in 2020, but it was terminated this summer to allow the player to seek a new opportunity as a free agent.
QPR backed to secure Isaac Hayden transfer
Since then, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has stated that ‘Championship and European clubs’ are ‘already considering’ offering the player a contract after his release.
West Brom were linked with the player in January before his move to Portsmouth, but other Championship sides are now considered frontrunners.
Football League World believes QPR are in pole position to sign the player, but they will face competition from second-tier rivals Derby County. Watford have also been identified as potential suitors.
Hayden, a graduate of Arsenal’s academy, appeared twice for the Gunners before joining Newcastle United in 2016. Newcastle United announced earlier this month that midfielder Isaac Hayden had left the club as a free agent.
The 30-year-old joined the Magpies in 2016 after beginning his professional career with Arsenal, and during his time at St. James’ Park, he appeared in 171 games across all competitions.
Hayden open to Loftus Road return
He most recently spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan with Championship side Pompey, following spells with Standard Liège and Queens Park Rangers the previous season.
Everyone at the club appreciates Isaac’s efforts while at Newcastle United and wishes him well in the future. Hayden spent the remainder of the 2023/24 season on loan at QPR, where he played an important role under Marti Cifuentes as the R’s fought to avoid relegation.
The midfielder made 17 appearances for the west London club, and QPR has been linked with a permanent move for him since the end of his loan deal last year.Hayden expressed his willingness to return to QPR while at Loftus Road.
In April of that season, he stated, “Things move quickly in football, and you move on.” But it’s a situation in which myself and the club will have to meet in the summer to decide what we want to do.
I had to take a pay cut to move to QPR, which I was willing to do for the final few months of the season in order to get games. But it will be back to square one in the summer, but I hope to help keep QPR going and would love to stay here if possible.”
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