Real Madrid: The harsh truth about Eden Hazard’s transfer value

Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard has not performed poorly in 2021-2022 when healthy. That needs to be clear from the start. The legendary Belgian left winger has transitioned away from the position where he became a global superstar, as Carlo Ancelotti has been the first to acknowledge that Hazard no longer has the acceleration to beat defenders from this position.

Hazard, however, has found success in an attacking midfield role. Ancelotti has used Hazard in a “free role”. The No. 7 is often listed as a right winger in matches, but he really drifts inside and plays as an attacking midfield, with the freedom to do what he wants.

First, the positives, Hazard is completing nearly 93 percent of his passes in LaLiga. He averages 1.8 key passes per game, 1.3 fouls drawn per game, and 1.1 dribbles completed per game. Those are impressive numbers, but they look even better when you account for the fact that he has only started in half of his eight matches. So per 90, his numbers are even more impressive.

But here’s the bad. Hazard has not been regularly starting, because there are areas in which he is not contributing positively to the team. Hazard has been a good creator, but he is not providing any sort of a scoring threat. Worse yet, aside from one nice recovery, his defensive work has been quite poor. This means Rodrygo Goes has an overall net benefit in the lineup. as compared to Hazard.

Eden Hazard is no longer a star player

With his name recognition, Hazard is a popular man in transfer rumors. He is reportedly wanted by clubs, with Newcastle United and Chelsea the two specifically named as having interest in the former Premier League icon.

Hazard to Chelsea is a popular rumor, but it is one based more on nostalgia and convenience rather than logic. Newcastle, on the other hand, would make sense, because they have a ton of money, not a whole lot of options, a likely desire to go after a big name, and probably aren’t going to think logically in terms of economics.

Wait, why am I implying that it is illogical for a team to sign Hazard? Because, well, it is. And Real Madrid fans need to understand that whenever they see transfer rumors regarding Hazard.

While Hazard still has immense technical quality and can create chances, he is not providing much to change the outcome of matches in the final third or creating from nothing. Vinicius Junior and Karim Benzema are the difference-makers. Hazard is the role player.

That’s not a bad thing, but it means Hazard’s value is limited. Big clubs want star players on the left wing. And if they are going to accommodate an attacking midfielder who won’t defend, they want someone making serious goal contributions. Hazard is still a good player, but he isn’t great. And that’s the difference.

There are two other important complicating factors.

Eden Hazard is not a good return on investment

Firstly, the salary. Hazard makes a ton of money. Depending on who you believe, he makes between 20 and 30 million euros per year at Real Madrid. How many teams can afford to take that on? How many teams are willing to take on that contract with no guarantee of top production?

Secondly, the injuries. They are related to the salary. Hazard cannot play a full 90 minutes. If he plays too many matches in a row, he is liable to get an overload or an aggravation of an injury. That makes Hazard a huge risk and someone who cannot guarantee a team their return on investment.

Paying Hazard’s wages is already a tall order. A transfer fee on top of that? I cannot even imagine any team paying Real Madrid anything for Hazard.

Except for one team. A sportswashing enterprise recently bought by a country. A team looking for a new face, desperate to take a risk on a big name and see what happens. Newcastle offering a surprising amount of cash and going for Hazard is the only way Real get a credible transfer offer for Hazard.

All of this sounds harsh. Hazard is someone Madridistas love and want to see succeed. Many acknowledge he is still good despite all the issues. But when it comes to the economic reality, Hazard is not a valuable transfer commodity. Not at all.