Newcastle have signed midfielder Isaac Hayden from Arsenal.
Isaac Hayden in training with Arsenal
Newcastle United today confirmed on their official website that they have snapped up midfielder Isaac Hayden on a five-year contract from Arsenal.
The Magpies, who had already signed goalkeeper Matz Sels, right back Jesus Gamez, winger Matt Ritchie and striker Dwight Gayle, moved to land Hayden earlier today for an undisclosed fee.
The 21-year-old had come up through the ranks at Arsenal having signed from Southend United in 2008, spending most of his time in the youth and reserve teams at the Emirates Stadium as a centre back or holding midfielder.
Hayden spent last season on loan at Hull City meaning he has Championship experience under his belt, and will be hoping for a regular spot in Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle side next season.
Magpies fans may not be too familiar with the youngster given his limited experience, but it seems that his former manager Arsene Wenger was a big fan of him.
After Hayden played 90 minutes in Arsenal’s Capital One Cup game with West Bromwich Albion in September 2013, Gunners boss Wenger spoke to the Arsenal official website about the player, and highlighted some key attributes that sum up what Newcastle have signed.
Wenger praised Hayden for his strength in the tackle, concentration as well as his maturity, and noted that whilst he’s an intelligent player, he isn’t much of a creative player.
“I like his strengths in the duels,” said Wenger. “I like his capacity of concentration and I believe as well that technically he is very focused to do well. He is committed and at half-time [in West Brom game] I told him to behave well because he was on a yellow card and he did that well in the second half.”
“He is maybe not a creative player but everything he does is intelligent. I like his intelligence and all these qualities together makes me choose him,” he added.
Those attributes lend themselves to Hayden playing in defensive midfield, protecting the back four and keeping possession ticking over, whilst his potential means that Newcastle could have a real star on their hands once Benitez gets to work with him.
Do you think Hayden is a good signing for Newcastle?
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