Isaac Hayden ready for transfer after Portsmouth loan expires
Don Goodman believes Isaac Hayden is ready for a transfer as his loan spell at Portsmouth expired come the end of the season.
The Jamaica international moved to Fratton Park on loan in January from Newcastle, but failed to have an impact as he parted ways with Pompey.
In 17 league appearances, he played 946 minutes but failed to nail down a regular starting spot.
Hayden expected to look at other options this summer, claims Goodman
Hayden will have good experience at Fratton Park, but Goodman does not see a move in the summer.
“His experience would have been good for Portsmouth (Isaac Hayden) last season, but he’s 30, and he probably didn’t get the minutes that he would’ve wanted – given that’s what he went there for – to get minutes,” he told FLW.
“I think 17 games. So, (a) blow, I’m not so sure because I’m not sure how much of a contribution Isaac made, or maybe he didn’t make as big a contribution on the pitch as he would’ve hoped.
“It all worked out well in the end for Portsmouth, comfortably avoiding relegation and for Isaac Hayden I think he will seek pastures new because he wants to play more than 17 games in a season.”
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 17 | 0 | 0 |
Hayden’s departure is unlikely to significantly impact John Mousinho’s plans, as the midfielder’s limited on-field contribution and the club’s robust squad foundation mitigate any potential loss.
During his loan spell, he struggled to secure a regular starting role due to his abject numbers.
While his Premier League and Championship experience with Newcastle, Hull, Norwich, and QPR added leadership off the pitch, his lack of consistent influence in matches, as noted by Goodman, suggests Portsmouth’s successful relegation avoidance relied more on collective squad efforts than Hayden’s individual input.
Portsmouth need to recruit better in the summer
At 30, Hayden’s desire for regular football, which he couldn’t achieve at Fratton Park, aligns with his likely move elsewhere, allowing both parties to part amicably.
Mousinho’s recruitment strategy, known for its shrewdness, positions Pompey to target younger, more dynamic midfielders who can offer long-term value and energy to the engine room, better suiting the club’s ambitions in the Championship.
With 15,000 season tickets sold and a fortress-like atmosphere at Fratton Park, the club’s stability and fan support provide a strong platform for Mousinho to build without relying on Hayden.
This flexibility ensures Portsmouth can maintain competitiveness while addressing midfield needs through strategic signings, rendering Hayden’s exit a minor setback in their broader project.