Midfielder, Issac Hayden has rejoined QPR on a free transfer.
Hayden was released by Newcastle after a nine-year spell in which he scored seven goals in 171 appearances amidst loans at Norwich, Belgium’s Standard Liege and Portsmouth plus a four-month stint with QPR in 2023-24 season.
The 30-year-old midfielder however was only released from his contract at Newcastle in early August and after a few weeks of consideration, he opted to return to QPR on an undisclosed contract.
“It’s fantastic,” explained Hayden as he revealed that CEO, Christian Nourry plus Head Coach, Julien Stephan held “special” conversations to convince him to return to West London, ahead of interest from foreign clubs.
“I had a few options to go abroad, but it was one of those where if I was going to stay in the Championship, it was only going to be one club and I’m just glad to get it done.”
Hayden proceeded to reflect on his loan spell at Portsmouth in the second half of last season, during which the Pompey beat QPR 2-1 at home, with the midfielder left feeling like he was playing for the incorrect team.
“Last year when I was at Portsmouth, it was quite difficult to play against the guys,” said Hayden. “I felt like I was lining up on the wrong team!
“It was a special four months that I had at the club and you get a feeling sometimes of a place that is kind of like home. And it was just one of those situations where, for me, it was a no-brainer to come back.
“I feel like I can add a lot of value, not just on the pitch, but off the pitch as well and help drive the group forward.”
While keen to use his experience in the dressing room, the Jamaica international is also determined to make his mark on the pitch.
“This year especially for me is a big one,” added Hayden who is targeting a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Jamaica so feels that QPR is the ideal club to give him that opportunity to put himself in a good position to be selected if Jamaica do indeed qualify.
“With Jamaica we’ve got the potential for a World Cup at the end of the season, six massive games to try and qualify. But obviously for me to play for them, I need to be playing football at a good level.
“I want to try and play as much as possible. Everyone thinks you hit the big 3-0 and it’s downhill from there. But I do feel like I’ve got so much more in me.”
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