Real Madrid transfer rumors: Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois could leave Chelsea after failing to qualify for the UCL
By Ben Sundock
Real Madrid has had their eyes on two of Chelsea‘s top two players for some time now. Both midfielder Eden Hazard and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois have been rumored to be on their way out of the British capital after the Blues failed to qualify for the Champions League this upcoming season. Could the two be on their way to Madrid?
Much like Real Madrid, the winner’s of the Premier League in 2016/2017 had a very disappointing campaign trying to defend their title. The Blues finished fifth, one spot out of the group that automatically qualifies for the Champions League.
Despite a late surge that saw the side from London challenge fourth-place Liverpool, a heartbreaking draw against Huddersfield Town and a shocking 3-0 loss to Newcastle will see the prestigious club play in the Europa League for the first time since 2002/2003.
The failure to make the respected competition could lead to two of the club’s biggest name departing over the summer. Hazard and Courtois have both been instrumental in the side’s recent success domestically, and many of the fans would like to see them stick around for the foreseeable future.
Eden Hazard
The 27-year-old, Hazard, told SFR Sport that he would not push for a transfer if Chelsea failed to qualify for UCL play. “I hope (the fans) don’t want to see me leave,” he said.
“I’m doing good things here. I’m happy here. Things can move, or they may not move. We’ll see. The public adores me, I love my teammates, my family is good here. Of course, I want to play in the Champions League, but it isn’t a priority.”
But, there is a considerable amount of doubt that Hazard was telling the truth in this interview. AS.com has reported that the higher-ups at the Santiago Bernabéu are keeping a close eye on the midfielder who has been valued at a stunning €100 million.
After a phenomenal season last year, Hazard saw his number’s dip a bit in ’17/’18. He scored 15 goals in league and Champions League play and was at times whistled by the Stamford Bridge crowd.
While the thought of bringing Hazard to Real Madrid is enticing, it is worth noting that Real has been after the Belgian international for some time, making no progress. Eden’s current contract with Chelsea runs until 2020, but failing to qualify for the UCL could lead to a change of heart.
Thibaut Courtois
Another player who has been on the Madrid shortlist for some time now is 26-year-old Thibaut Courtois. The goalkeeper spent a significant amount of time on loan with Atletico Madrid, starting in goal from 2011 until 2014.
Real Madrid was targeting Thibaut along with young net-minder Kepa Arrizabalaga and Gianluigi Donnarumma during the January window.
Courtois has voiced his desire to move to back to Spain as his family currently lives in Madrid.
Thibaut had a solid 2017/2018 campaign making 32 appearances in the league and recording 13 clean sheets. Comparing the Belgian’s league stats to Real’s current number one, Keylor Navas, shows that Keylor had better stats in fewer appearances than Courtois.
While the stats are telling, bringing in Courtois would not be a bad thing for Real Madrid who could seriously use depth at the goalkeeping position.
Next: Raúl de Tomás set to return after an impressive loan stint with Rayo Vallecano
Conclusion
If Real Madrid was to sign both Hazard and Courtois, it would cost them about €160 million. Comparing that to Neymar’s price tag of nearly €230 million, it would be a much better investment for the club to sign these two and strengthen both the attack and defense simultaneously.
While all of this talk of the two Belgians leaving Chelsea is hypothetical for now, it is very plausible the Blues sell them on and try to rebuild over the summer. President Florentino Perez and manager Zinedine Zidane rarely give any indication of what the transfer window will hold for the club and I expect the same here.
Rumors will continue to swirl this summer regarding these two and their status moving forward. We here at The Real Champs will continue to keep a close eye on all the news that comes out.