Former Portsmouth and Newcastle United man in search for new club after Championship release

Former Pompey loanee Isaac Hayden is on the hunt for a new club.

The 31-year-old will depart Championship rivals QPR at the conclusion of his one-year deal, which will see him become a free agent this summer.

The experienced midfielder is one of three players to depart west London, with keepers Ben Hamer and Paul Nardi also heading to the exit doors at Loftus Road.

It marks the end of Hayden’s second stint with the Rs having re-signed in August after his Newcastle United contract was ripped up 12-months ago.

Former Pompey loanee released by Championship rivals QPR

During his season-long stay in the capital, the ex-Fratton loan man registered 30 appearances in all competitions - of which 19 came as a starter.

The Arsenal academy graduate did feature on both occasions against Pompey this term, including a start in the Rs’ 6-1 thrashing of John Mousinho’s troops in March.

But at the end of his one-year stay at Loftus Road, Julien Stephen’s side opted against extending Hayden’s stay, making him available for a free transfer this summer.

A parting message on social media read: ‘Another season done, another season of learning and progress.

‘Having the honour of playing for QPR again, in front of packed out Loftus Road crowds and the loyal away supporters for a full season this time round really makes you realise how great this club is.

‘I want to thank the owners, Christian, Julien and all the staff, for the opportunity this season to try to help the club progress as much as possible and play games again in this jersey.

‘Meanwhile, a fantastic group of young players I have shared the dressing room with that I look forward to watching grow and develop into top players, taking this club forward onto the next stage of the project.

‘Whenever leaving a club I always try to leave it in a better place and I believe this club will go from strength to strength moving forwards.

‘I will always hold QPR in my heart and wish everyone associated with the club the best for the future.’

Looking for weekly exclusive analysis from our writers Neil Allen and Jordan Cross? We’ve got a newsletter for that - click here to sign up for Pompey Talk

Isaac Hayden’s time at Pompey

Hayden arrived at Fratton Park in January 2025 to boost Mousinho’s engine room and add vital Championship experience to the Blues’ survival bid.

The midfielder went on to amass 17 appearances during his loan stint from Newcastle United as Pompey went on to secure a 16th-placed finish on their return to the second tier.

The former Hull City and Norwich City man admitted at the end of his temporary stay a permanent return to PO4 would be highly unlikely and subsequently joined QPR later that window.

Luke Le Roux, Mark Kosznovszky and John Swift arrived at Fratton Park last summer before Ebou Adams was recruited in January.

Your next Pompey read: Portsmouth defender Hayden Matthews handed timely World Cup boost despite Fratton frustrations