Isaac Hayden has joined Norwich City on a season-long loan from Newcastle United for 2022-23 season.
Since Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce as manager at Newcastle in November 2021, Hayden made just four senior appearances under Howe with a serious knee injury keeping the midfielder out for the second-half of the season.
Howe has consequently decided that Hayden will play no part in his plans on Tyneside next season and approved a season-long loan for the 27 year-old at Norwich, with the Canaries having an obligation to buy if performance-related criteria be met across the season.
Speaking to Canaries.co.uk about his move to Carrow Road, Hayden said that he was “absolutely delighted” to join a “fantastic” team in Norwich with a strong plan in place, as the Canaries look to instantly clinch a rebound promotion from Championship back to the Premier League.
Hayden also praised Norwich for their progress from his last visit to their training ground as he looks for promotion, as he added: “The facilities at the training ground are great and changed significantly from when I have visited before.
“I’ve also looked at our squad and I want to add to that and help get us promoted straight away.”
With Dean Smith now in charge at Carrow Road, Hayden is excited to finally play under the English manager as he admitted that Smith “was a big factor” in his decision following a phone conversation between the pair.
Hayden added that he believes that Smith is a top quality manager based on previous conversations over the years, as he commented: “I had spoken to him a few times before and he always struck me as somebody who was trying to do the right things and doing things very well at football clubs.”
Smith meanwhile admitted that Hayden has been a player on his radar for several years as he praised Hayden’s footballing ability and experience, in which he said: “He’s a really good footballer and has both excellent technical and ball-winning qualities.
“He plays mainly as a holding midfielder, is good aerially and we believe he can be very good for us in both boxes.”
“He brings a lot of experience of both the Premier League and Championship. We know he is a really good personality and character and that will add to our group.
“The fact that he can join us at the start of pre-season is great. Overall, we’re delighted with the signing and look forward to welcoming Isaac to the group.”
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