Isaac Hayden


Isaac Scot Hayden is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Newcastle United. Hayden has also featured for clubs Arsenal and Hull City in his footballing career.

Early life

Hayden was born in Chelmsford and played for Southend United until he was 13 years old, when he moved to London to join Arsenal's Academy.

Club career

Arsenal

Hayden made his full debut for Arsenal in the third round of the League Cup in September 2013 against West Bromwich Albion. He started the away match playing in midfield and was substituted after 84 minutes for Swede Kristoffer Olsson. Arsenal eventually won the game on penalties at The Hawthorns. On 23 September 2014, Hayden made a second appearance for Arsenal, playing at centre back in another League Cup third-round game, a 1–2 home defeat against Southampton in September 2014.

Loan to Hull City

On 31 July 2015, Hayden joined Hull City on a season-long loan to gain first team experience. Hayden made his debut for the club on the opening day of the 2015–16 season in a 2–0 home win to Huddersfield Town. Hayden opened his account when he scored the final goal for Hull in the 6–0 defeat of Charlton Athletic on 16 January 2016.

Newcastle United

On 11 July 2016, it was announced that Hayden had joined Newcastle United on a five-year deal. Hayden scored his first goal for Newcastle in a 4–1 win over Reading on 17 August 2016.
Hayden went on to win the 2016–17 Championship with Newcastle in May 2017.
Following promotion Hayden secured a place in the Newcastle team under the management of Rafael Benítez as a defensive midfielder. Following the departure of Benitez in 2019, Steve Bruce continued to play Hayden as a midfielder and at right back. Hayden scored the winning goal in a 2020 mid-season 1–0 win against Chelsea with a last minute header in stoppage time.

International career

Hayden has represented England at the under-16, under-17, under-18, under-19, under-20 and under-21 levels of football.

Style of play

has described Hayden as a player whose key assets are concentration, intelligence and strength. Equally comfortable at centre-back or in central midfield, whilst having also previously featured at right-back and as a playmaker.

Personal life

Hayden is of Jamaican descent on his father's side.

Career statistics

Honours

Hull City
Newcastle United