Isaac Hayden joins Standard Liège on season-long loan with no option to buy

Isaac Hayden will spend the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Standard Liège of the Belgian Pro League. There is no purchase option included in the deal, however, despite some recent rumours to the contrary.

The 28-year-old is still under contract at St. James' Park until June 2026 and spent the entirety of last season at Norwich City, where he made just 14 appearances due to consistent injury issues.

All-in-all, the Arsenal academy graduate has made 171 senior appearances for the Magpies, scoring seven times and being a major part of the squad under Rafa Benítez, in particular.

Standard aren't in European competition this season and there aren't many household names at the Belgian club, though Hayden will find the likes of Aiden O'Neill (formerly of Burnley), Noah Ohio (formerly of Manchester United), Romaine Mundle (on loan from Spurs), and Isaac Price (on loan from Everton) at the Maurice Dufrasne Stadion.

Speaking about bringing Hayden to Belgium, Standard's Irish Director of Football Fergal Harkin commented:

Isaac is a physical player with character and leadership qualities. He will pass on the experience he gained in the Premier League to his new teammates and I am confident he will provide us with a great service this season.

All the best to Isaac for the season ahead!