Newcastle United signed Isaac Hayden from Arsenal during the summer transfer window.
Isaac Hayden has told the Shields Gazette that he rejected Premier League offers to join Newcastle United last summer.
Hayden decided to switch from Arsenal from Newcastle at the start of the season.
And the midfielder admits that he turned down top level interest, to make the move to St. James’ Park.
“Yes, I did, I did have a couple of Premier League offers,” Hayden said.
“But, for me, I didn’t want to go straight from a Premier League club of the stature of Arsenal to then try to get in at a Premier League club again.
“I needed the chance to actually improve as a player to get to the level of being a Premier League player, because you don’t want to go from Premier League to Premier League and then be in the same position and not play because you don’t improve.
“For me, this was the best club for me and that was the most important thing.”
Hayden’s decision has turned out to be a smart one, as he has been a key player for Newcastle this season.
The 22-year-old has made 35 appearances in all competitions, with his combativeness being crucial to Newcastle’s style.
Hayden now seems to have forged a place for himself in Rafael Benitez’s starting line-up.
And, with Newcastle on the verge of promotion, Hayden should get his wish to play regularly Premier League football next season.
Newcastle are next in action later this evening, when they take on Preston North End.
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