Chelsea, Newcastle or stay at Real Madrid? Where next for Eden Hazard?

Seb Sternik
17 January 2022

Eden Hazard of Real Madrid during the Spanish championship La Liga football match between Real Madrid and Cadiz CF on December 19, 2021

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

The two-time Premier League winner has only made 43 league appearances for Los Blancos since joining the club in 2019.

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.

Here, we take a look at Hazard's next potential club.

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.

Eddie Howe's side currently have the fourth-worst attack in the Premier League having scored 20 goals in 20 games.

Hazard, who has scored five goals in 59 games for Real Madrid and has endured extensive injury problems, may be a big name but he doesn't appear to be the saving grace that Newcastle are so desperate for.

Chelsea

It was Hazard's seven-year stint at Chelsea which thrust the Belgium midfielder into the global limelight.

During his time at Stamford Bridge, the 31-year-old won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and two Europa League winners' medals.

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

Juventus have had their sights set on Hazard for a number of months now.

The Italian giants first wanted to attain his signature following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.

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

Before Hazard took London by storm, the midfielder gained legendary status at Lille OSC after helping the club to a rare Ligue 1 title in 2011.

In his 194 appearances for Les Douges, Hazard bagged 50 goals - including 20 in his final season alone.

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.

With the club operating on a tight financial budget, it's doubtful whether they would consider spending over £20million on a 30-year-old injury-prone midfielder.

Then, of course, we need to consider Hazard's ambition of playing at a top European club.

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

Another possibility is for Hazard to stay at Real Madrid.

As things stand, the midfielder has a contract with the club which lasts until the summer of 2024.

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.