Former QPR man pens goodbye ahead of Newcastle United summer transfer

Former QPR midfielder Isaac Hayden has penned a heartfelt goodbye to the club as he returns to Newcastle United ahead of completing a summer transfer to a new club.

NewcastleWorld reports that the 29-year-old is to be moved on in the upcoming window having been deemed surplus to requirements by Eddie Howe. Hayden has spent the last two seasons on loan, at Norwich City, Standard Liege and QPR, but still has another two years left on his contract on Tyneside.

Newcastle United are expected to move Hayden on permanently this summer to free up some space on the club's wage bill. QPR have been linked with a move to bring the midfielder back to London after a respectable showing at the back end of the Championship campaign, although the experienced ball-winner will likely have interest from other sides, as he did in January.

Taking to Instagram as QPR's season came to an end last weekend, Hayden wrote: “Where to start, from joining on Feb 1st in the relegation zone to ending the season today with a third victory in a row and securing safety last weekend officially with a game to spare. It has been a pleasure to play for this club.

“I want to firstly thank the owners, Christian and the manager for giving me the opportunity, the set of lads I have shared a dressing room with have been amazing and top class, the back room staff who have sacrificed a lot and given so much to help us and the fans for their unwavering support of the team and myself personally since I’ve joined.

“It is a time I will always remember and hold onto very fondly. Who knows what the future may bring but it’s been an honour and I’m sure this club is going one way and that’s up. Forever a ranger, u rrrsssss."

Hayden made 17 QPR appearances and was a regular in the starting XI under Marti Cifuentes as the club avoided relegation this term. The Newcastle United man started in vital wins against Birmingham City, Leicester City and Bristol City.

Where Hayden moves to next season remains to be seen. Before QPR completed a loan deal with the Magpies in January, the player had been linked with Preston North End, Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham City.