The player, currently under contract at St James’ Park until 2026, had long been anticipated to depart during the summer transfer window. However, despite the speculation and interest surrounding his potential move, nothing materialized, leaving him in a state of uncertainty regarding his career. This limbo may soon be resolved, as Hayden appears poised to reestablish his presence in international football by reuniting with former Newcastle head coach Steve McClaren, now at the helm of the Jamaican national team.
Recent reports have indicated that Hayden is on the brink of finalizing a switch to represent Jamaica, a significant shift from his previous commitments to England at various youth levels, including under-16s, under-17s, under-19s, and under-21s. The midfielder has seemingly confirmed his intentions by sharing a captivating photo from Montego Bay, further fueling speculation about his international aspirations.
Rudolph Speid, chairman of Jamaica’s Football Federation Technical Committee, shed light on the situation during a recent statement. He noted, “We are actively pursuing him, but at the end of the day, it’s ultimately the coach’s decision. We believe he’s very close to making the transition, but until the ink is dry, nothing is officially done. That’s how I see it, but again, the finalization seems imminent.”
Hayden’s eligibility to play for Jamaica stems from his father’s heritage, allowing him the opportunity to don the Jamaican colors. Should this move be officially confirmed, he would join a talented squad as McClaren aims to guide the nation through the qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted across North and Central America. This prospect opens the door for Hayden to potentially collaborate on the pitch with notable Premier League stars such as Michail Antonio, Ethan Pinnock, Leon Bailey, and Bobby De Cordova-Reid, marking an exciting new chapter in his football career.