"Simply cannot afford" - Portsmouth boss John Mousinho backed over Newcastle United transfer decision | OneFootball

With Hayden moving on, Portsmouth’s focus shifts to youth and long-term midfield reinforcements.

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Isaac Hayden’s short but eventful stint at Portsmouth appears to be over, with the Newcastle United loanee confirming he won’t be returning to Fratton Park next season.

Signed in January to bring much-needed experience to a midfield hit by injuries and inconsistency, Hayden arrived with a strong CV and top-flight pedigree.

While he never quite became a guaranteed Pompey starter, his contribution - particularly late in the season - was appreciated by supporters as the team secured safety with two games to go.

Isaac Hayden’s departure marks shift toward more youthful Portsmouth side

In light of Hayden’s Fratton Park departure, Football League World spoke to Pompey fan pundit Miltos Ioannidis on if the call from Portsmouth’s hierarchy to not pursue re-signing the midfielder, and subsequently go in a younger direction with the squad, was the right call or not.

“My take on Hayden is simple - Hayden arrived at the club during a time that we were struggling.” Ioannidis told FLW.

“We were having injuries all over the pitch, we couldn’t really find a balance, we kept having players being forced out of the 11, and Hayden, although he admittedly got off to a mediocre start at life considering he didn’t get a starting 11 spot straight away - because Dozzell and Potts were doing so well.

“I think as time went by and as he grew more and more into the team, he definitely settled in, and I think during the latter stages of the season played some of his best games for us, especially ever since he got more initiatives in the offensive area of the game as well.

“At the very start he had more of a number six protective role, he was focussing more on his defensive duties whereas as he grew more and more into the side, he started having more of his license to go forward and create as well.

“I can recall his performance against Norwich - the 5-3 away win - I thought that was his best game for us, and generally he had some really decent outings, especially towards the latter stages of the campaign.

“I think, though, that this is the correct decision and somewhat expected, we will all remember Hayden really fondly for what he did but I’m sure there won’t be many people too disappointed or too bitter he won’t be coming back.

“He came to the club during a real difficult time, he did a job, he’s leaving with everyone’s best wishes, and I think everyone understands that the sort of trajectory the club wants to take, like Hayden himself said with more younger players.

“Also Hayden is on a really really high wage at Newcastle, I think it’s about £50,000 a week - money we simply cannot afford to pay - and I’m sure he will probably even want to run his contract down at Newcastle if Newcastle don’t pay him off.

“So I really wish Hayden all the best, his heartfelt goodbye message I felt was really good - the one he put out on social media after the Hull game and I wish him nothing but the best, I thank him for what he did to us.

"But I think at the end of the day, it’s one of those we will remember looking back on Hayden’s time as a player - he came in during a difficult situation, did his job, and left with everyone’s best wishes.”

Hayden’s departure is a natural next step for both club and player.

For Portsmouth, it’s a chance to continue reshaping the squad around younger, more energetic talent while maintaining the upward momentum built towards the end of the Championship season.

For Hayden, the focus will be on finding a new home where he can play regular football and enjoy a more prominent role.

Portsmouth with the respect of fans.