Will Newcastle United pull off the sale of this midfielder?

Isaac Hayden has been looking for a move away from Newcastle United for family reasons since the previous transfer window. Granted, the request came a bit late in the window so it was difficult to get a deal done. Because nothing came of this deal, Hayden has been stuck at Newcastle United, with seemingly no way out.

Recently, West Bromwich Albion were interested in the midfielder, a move which would bring him closer to his family. But Rafa Benitez is still keen on a replacement before any deal for Hayden is finalized. This calls for the question:

Will Hayden even be sold then?

Newcastle United have their transfer targets, and at the top of their wish list is an attacking midfielder. While moving Hayden is possibly a high priority, it probably isn’t top. So when it comes to securing a move for a player that can help Newcastle in their relegation battle, or replacing Hayden to sell him, the latter will be chosen.

With the limited resources at Rafa Benitez’s disposal this window, you can’t blame him for making sacrifices, even if it is holding a player at the club against their wishes. It’s not ideal for the manager or the player, but the situation is one that both are going to have to work with.

Hayden has to compete with a diminished squad with minimal depth. Until that depth can be solved and his replacement signed, he may have to spend just a few more months on Tyneside before he gets his move.