Real Madrid has been linked with Eden Hazard for some time now and this January seemed like the opportune window for the move. Earlier this week, the Belgian came out and expressed his loyalty to his current club, Chelsea.
Earlier this month, The Real Champs discussed the possibility of the prolific winger moving to Real Madrid. Now with just nine days left in the transfer window, Hazard expressed to the media after his recent Premier League fixture that such a move to the Capital is not in the works.
The rumor mill started churning again after Hazard’s father, Thierry Hazard, had an interview with Belgian based outlet Le Soir which was also reported by SkySports and the DailyMail. In the interview, Theirry had said that, “What I can reveal about Eden is that he refused a contract extension,” and went on to say, “This was so that, if necessary, he could follow the interest of Real, whom he could see himself playing for.”
After this past weekend’s Premier League fixture, Eden spoke out about the incident and refuted his father’s claims as reported by the EveningStandard about the move. Eden said, “My dad says some bad things. Yeah. I talked with him, no worries.”
According to the Metro, Hazard continued on to say, “I’ve got two years contract left and I’m happy here. Like I said 10 times before, I want to finish this year and then we’ll see. But I’m happy here.”
Eden Hazard is keeping all options open. “My dad says some bad things. I'm focused on Chelsea. Like I said 10 times before, I want to finish this year and then we'll see. But I'm happy here.” #cfc pic.twitter.com/5RGbGOyE4z
— Kristof Terreur (@kristofterreur) January 22, 2018
Chasing the Cash
Despite his admirable claims of wanting to stay with the Blues, Hazard has yet to extend his contract. Currently, the attacker is signed with Chelsea until 2020. Owner Roman Abramovich would, of course, like to extend that before the World Cup in June. The World Cup seems to bring about a purge of transfers as players display their talents, increasing their market value.
Take for example, James Rodriguez. Few knew of the player prior to the 2014 World Cup. Unfortunately for the Colombian though things did not go his way while at Real Madrid, but he could be on his way back.
As of now, Chelsea wants to tie their ace down to a minimum £300,000-a-week before he leaves for the World cup. His resistance to doing so until now could mean he has plans of his own. Hazard holding out on Chelsea along with a great performance in the World Cup could be in his favor. In the event that Belgium along with Hazard does well, other teams could come chasing and drive up the price for his signature. Or could he really be waiting until the summer for Real Madrid to come calling?
Silver Lining
This verbal rejection of a move could mean either one of two things: either Real Madrid isn’t interested in signing Hazard just yet or are waiting until the summer to make a move on him or other players. Now that we know Hazard will not be dawning the White jersey of Real Madrid this January, it may be possible this summer. On the flip side, if Madrid has yet to go after Eden, they may have some big moves in the works, targeting other players.
Yes, having Hazard would be a great addition to the club, he is a steller winger who has around five years of prime play left. Given his skill set, the possibility to change his style of attack and position would allow him to keep playing at a high level.
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His addition to the side may have fans witness some young talents that have grown close to our hearts, such as Marco Asensio or Isco, leave the club. The departure would be necessary as a means to make room for Eden and recuperate some cash.