QPR handed summer transfer boost as planned Newcastle agreement revealed | OneFootball

Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden has enjoyed a positive loan spell in this second half of the season at Queens Park Rangers and the West Londoners are said to be confident of re-signing him on a free this summer.

The former Arsenal academy graduate spent this past season on loan both abroad and at home, and it was on his native shores where he recaptured his best form as he helped the Loftus Road outfit avoid the drop.

With parent club Newcastle firmly heading in a new direction and Hayden seemingly not part of any future plans, the Essex-born midfielder will be on the search for a new club, and the Rs could be his ideal home.

QPR confident of re-signing Isaac Hayden

According to journalist Darren Witcoop, QPR are confident of re-signing Hayden on a free transfer this summer.

It is understood that the midfielder is expected to reach a settlement agreement with Newcastle to allow him to become a free agent despite having a contract that runs until the summer of 2026.

Hayden's Loftus Road exploits have not gone unnoticed and there is thought to be other Championship interest but he would reportedly prefer to rejoin Marti Cifuentes' side.

The holding midfielder has been at Newcastle since 2016, when the Magpies found themselves in the EFL Championship, and has since then taken in six seasons of first team football at St James' Park before loan spells at clubs elsewhere.

Hayden will be a statement signing for QPR in 2024/25

Capturing Hayden will be a big coup for QPR this summer, as he is not going to be short of suitors from elsewhere.

In his 17 games for the Rs this season, Hayden has impressed and formed good partnerships with fellow midfielders Sam Field, Jack Colback and Elijah Dixon-Bonner.

Following what has been a disastrous season for the Rs, keeping that midfield together will be crucial. Adding Hayden into the mix as both a player that has been around the squad already, and one that will bring with him plenty of experience from elsewhere, should help QPR to a much stronger finish next season.

Isaac Hayden may need to take a pay cut at QPR

You'd imagine Hayden will need to take a pay cut to make the move to Loftus Road permanently.

Currently, according to Capology.com estimations, Hayden is on a wage of £21,000-a-week. While this is not higher than QPR's highest earner, Steve Cook, who is apparently on £30,000-a-week, it may be more than they can afford to pay the 29-year-old.

With a significant number of players out of contract, including the likes of Chris Willock, the QPR board and Cifuentes could have a few busy days ahead of them then, as a potential game of 'Will they, won't they' may begin over the signing of Hayden, and the renewal of key players' contracts, ahead of what many fans will hope is a strong summer window.