Chelsea, Newcastle or stay at Real Madrid? Where next for Eden Hazard?
Hazard’s forgettable three-year spell in Madrid appears to coming to an end, as the Belgium international ponders his next move.
While Real Madrid celebrated their Spanish Super Cup triumph last weekend, Hazard cut a particularly forlorn figure. That shouldn't come as a surprise considering the player spent the entire game on the bench.
The 31-year-old has become accustomed to sitting on the sidelines during his two-and-a-half season stay at Santiago Bernabeu.
Everyone smiling, except Hazard 💔 pic.twitter.com/Odg52LR3lD
— E. Hazard Tweets (@EHazardTweets) January 16, 2022
Real spent £88million on the midfielder, but the club will lucky to see half of that money back if the latest transfer rumours are to be believed.
Newcastle United
Could Eden Hazard follow in the footsteps of Michael Owen and Kieran Trippier by swapping Madrid for St James' Park? According to recent reports, a move is on the cards.
Spanish publication Nacional claims that Newcastle's £41.3million bid for the midfielder has met the expectations of club president Florentino Perez.
However, that same report also suggests that Hazard has rejected the proposals in the hope of joining a 'big player' in world soccer.
The Magpies are currently battling against relegation to the Championship and recently bolstered their attack with the signing of Burnley's 30-year-old New Zealand striker Chris Wood.
Chelsea
Hazard was loved by Chelsea's supporters as he bagged 110 goals during a 352-match spell in London.
As things stand, Chelsea are some way off the pace set by Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
Is Hazard the answer to their problems? His recent form would say no. But perhaps a return to a club where he is loved could reignite his lost spark.
Juventus
According to Spanish publication Marca, Hazard was the club's number one target as they looked to fill their Ronaldo-sized hole.
The deal never materialised but with Juventus struggling in the league - nine points behind league leaders Inter in fifth - they could certainly do with a new addition ahead of the final four months of the season.
Lille OSC
A return to the French club would make for a fascinating story. However, the financial implications of such a transfer make it a highly unlikely scenario.
While Lille are still battling in the Champions League, their league campaign is stuttering following a string of key departures in the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid
While he may not be in Carlo Ancelotti's plans, there's no reason why he couldn't force himself back into contention.
However, considering he has already played 16 times this season and is yet to find the back of the net, the chances of Hazard rediscovering his best form at Santiago Bernabeu seem slim.