Real Madrid has been linked with Belgian star Eden Hazard for a few years now, but could he finally be heading to the Spanish capital? Here’s a look at how and why this deal could happen soon.
Sources across Europe have made claims that Eden Hazard could be on his way to Real Madrid this January transfer window. SkySports, as well as DailyMail, had reported from Belgian based French media outlet Le Soir who interviewed Thierry Hazard, Eden’s father about the potential move.
Eden’s father had said, “What I can reveal about Eden is that he refused a contract extension.” He continued on saying, “This was so that, if necessary, he could follow the interest of Real, whom he could see himself playing for.”
Hazard was a big part of Chelsea’s Premier League title of last season with formidable performances from all areas of the pitch. This summer, Eden will enter the final two years of his contract with the London club. Despite being tied down, Real Madrid might break the bank for the star and we all know that is something Florentino Perez does not shy away from.
The January transfer window does not always see big players moving from club to club as that usually happens in the summer months. This year, though, could be very different due to Madrid’s lack of success thus far in league play. After starting off August with top performances against FC Barcelona and Manchester United in the Spanish Super Cup and UEFA Super Cup respectively, they have been a mere shadow of themselves.
Madrid has been looking decent in the Champions League and Copa Del Rey, but decent is never good enough in the capital. Their run in La Liga has been erratic and unpredictable, putting them in fourth place.
The Real Champs takes a look at the pros, cons, and how feasible it would be that Real Madrid signs the Belgian forward this January window.
Mutal Affinity
Florentino Perez may not be the biggest fan of Eden Hazard as he’s yet to make it to Madrid, but one person who does laud the Belgian is Zinedine Zidane. Compatibility between manager and player is something that can drastically sway the performance of both parties. Thankfully, Zizou and Hazard have quite the affinity for one another.
It was rumored that Zidane had told Perez about the Chelsea winger back in 2012 before he became a part of the Blues. Zidane had urged Perez to sign him from Lille before Chelsea were able to take hold of the player.
Hazard, on the other hand, has done nothing but sung his praises for the Frenchman, even saying “Everyone knows the respect I have for Zidane as a player, but also as a manager. He was my idol.” in an interview with Belgian TV channel RTL.
"“I do not know what will happen in the future. However, for sure, to play under Zidane would be a dream.” – Eden on the possibility of playing under Zidane"