Jeff Hendrick has told QPR’s website that he simply “had to get out” of Newcastle on deadline day. On his birthday, the Ireland midfielder completed a late loan move to Championship side QPR until the summer.
Hendrick, 30, joined Newcastle in the summer of 2020 from Burnley on a free transfer – but has played just 27 times for the Toon. This season, he has been used only four times and fell down the pecking order in January.
The signing of Bruno Guimaraes is likely to see the Brazil international instantly become first choice on Tyneside – perhaps alongside Jonjo Shelvey in Eddie Howe’s midfield. Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff as cover.
It saw Hendrick choose to leave Newcastle on loan until the summer, and will return to Newcastle in the summer – where he still has a £40,000-a-week (Spotrac) contract until the summer of 2024. He discussed his exit.
“Anyone who knows me will know I will be disappointed with the game time I have got this season so I wanted to get out, get games. I wasn’t just going to sit around. A big thing for me is to push myself, enjoy my football.”
Hendrick comments on Newcastle exit: QPR a very good move
Newcastle was a strange move for Hendrick in the first place. A very Steve Bruce kind of signing, Hendrick was no improvement on the likes of Shelvey, Hayden and Longstaff when he first joined – albeit on a free.
The Irishman is Premier League proven, but his best form has come in the Championship. Joining a side that sit fourth in England’s second tier is a brilliant move for Hendrick, who has the perfect stage to reignite form.
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