Norwich City: Isaac Hayden moves abroad in loan transfer

The midfielder, who spent last season at Carrow Road after joining from Newcastle United, has decided to move to Belgium to join Standard Liege. 

✍ 𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 Isaac 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

📝 NEWS | 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐚𝐜 𝐇𝐚𝐲𝐝𝐞𝐧 rejoint les Rouches 👉 https://t.co/xs2SYpb47l 🔴⚪

📝 NEWS | 𝐈𝐬𝐚𝐚𝐜 𝐇𝐚𝐲𝐝𝐞𝐧 tekent bij de Rouches 👉 https://t.co/1KZgb7X1HY 🔴⚪@IsaacHayden65 || #COYR pic.twitter.com/4kQc7ot57G

— Standard de Liège (@Standard_RSCL) September 5, 2023

Reports last month suggested Hayden was close to joining Premier League side Luton Town on a season-long loan but the move broke down at the final stages. Sheffield Wednesday and a host of other Championship clubs also displayed interest in the 28-year-old. 

Liege have pounced to add Hayden to their squad, with their transfer window not closing until Wednesday, September 6. 

Unlike his move to Norwich, Hayden’s loan agreement doesn’t include the option to turn it into a permanent deal – but the midfielder will be hoping for a run of games after struggling with injury during his time in Norfolk. 

He made just 14 appearances during his spell at Carrow Road after being signed under Dean Smith’s tenure. His last outing in yellow and green came in the penultimate fixture of the season – a 2-1 loss to West Brom. 

Isaac Hayden made just 14 appearances during his loan spell at Norwich City last season. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)

Sporting director Fergal Harkin expressed his desire at securing a deal to bring Hayden to Belgium – believing his experience and attributes will benefit Liege in their efforts in the Pro League this term. 

“Isaac is a quality player with physical impact and leadership,” Harkin told Liege’s official channels. 

“He will also bring his great experience acquired on the Premier League pitches to his new teammates and I am convinced that he will help us a lot this season. 

Liege currently sit in the Pro League relegation zone and are without a win in their opening six league matches, with three draws and three defeats to their name so far. The club finished seventh last season.