Eden Hazard is set to end his successful six-year stint with Chelsea and make the switch to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports in France. Although the two clubs have yet to reach a price on the move, the Belgian playmaker is ready to become Cristiano Ronaldo’s replacement.
President Florentino Perez has been keen on signing the 27-year-old who has been a staple of Chelsea’s success since joining in 2012 for the last couple transfer windows. While fans pricked up their ears to listen to what was being said, the rumors this time around have more validity.
Hazard had one of his best year’s for club and country helping guide Belgium to their best finish in a World Cup, third, and although Chelsea did not finish in the top four, Hazard had a career year in front of goal, scoring 12 goals.
The reason so many football fans across Europe have started to take notice of Hazard leaving London is because of what he said to the press following the conclusion of the competition in Russia.
"“After six wonderful years at Chelsea, it might be time to discover something different,” he said. “Certainly after this World Cup. I can decide if I want to stay or go, but Chelsea will make the final decision – if they want to let me go. You know my preferred destination.”"
Eden has made it clear that once his time in the Premier League is up, he wants to head to Spain and play for the biggest club in the world. Despite having two years left on his deal with The Blues, it might be time for the next Galactico to put on the white jersey.
We Madridistas should be confident that this deal can happen before the team sets off for the United States and their preseason tour on July 28th, but there is still one large obstacle holding up this deal: the agreed price Chelsea will sell him for.
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Rumor has it that owner Roman Abramovich and club president Bruce Buck will play hardball with Florentino Perez and the Real Madrid board.
Los Blancos are set to spend up to €224 million to bring in the newest big name to a club already full of stars. The one hesitation I have for this deal happening is not only the money that it will cost to sign one player, but the incredibly high expectation placed on Eden Hazard.
Can he be the guy to carry a club like Real Madrid to another Champions League title? As I said just a couple days ago, Gareth Bale can shoulder the majority of the pressure, but of course, he can’t do it alone.
Although the departure of Ronaldo is the end of an era and many fans will be upset, his absence opens the door for other players to take over as the star in this team. If Hazard cannot be signed this summer, it isn’t the end of the world. Real could play either Marco Asensio or Isco on the right wing, or new boss Julen Lopetegui could change the formation completely.
Next: Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui hints at more changes coming to the squad
Don’t forget, James Rodriguez is anxious to return to Spain after a very impressive season on loan with German champions, Bayern Munich, and President Perez should jump on the opportunity to terminate the loan and bring him back now.
I think Eden Hazard would be a fine addition to this squad, but if the cost is too high or the two clubs can’t reach an agreement, it isn’t a big deal.