Since Real Madrid lost to Espanyol in October in La Liga, Los Blancos have bounced back impressively and are currently on an 11-game undefeated streak in all competitions. The win over Athletic Bilbao in the league has put Real 13 points clear off second-placed Atletico Madrid on the league table. While the Merengues continue to dominate in the league, they have also booked their spot in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. Much of the credit has to be given to Carlo Ancelotti.
While Ancelotti seems to be doing everything right so far at the dugout, the Italian continues to receive criticism over his lack of rotations. In light of the squad rotation issue, one such player who has been the focal point in the media has been Eden Hazard and his lack of minutes.
Since the 2:1 loss to Espanyol, Eden Hazard has only played a combined total of 33 minutes in La Liga. Despite putting his serious injuries behind him, the Belgian continues to struggle to secure a spot in the starting eleven after the breakthrough of Vinicius Jr.
Hazard’s lack of minutes is not a serious concern from a tactical standpoint of view due to Vinicius Jr’s performances. However, from a sporting project and a financial viewpoint – Hazard’s minimal involvement is a problem.
With that being said, let’s look into three reasons how Eden Hazard’s possible departure next summer could end up being a huge boost for Real Madrid and the 30-year-old.
CLEARING OFF HIS ASTRONOMICAL WAGES
Eden Hazard is currently Real Madrid’s highest-paid player. The 30-year-old signed for Los Blancos in 2019 and penned a five-year contract with an annual salary estimated to be around 30 million euros, according to Forbes.
In 2019, the salary was definitely justifiable as Eden Hazard was not only one of the world’s best players but was also a popular commercial figure for the club to garner more income. But who would have known then that Hazard’s fate at Real Madrid would turn out to be the way it is now.
Three seasons later, it makes absolutely no sense to continue paying Hazard his sky-high wages while he warms the bench. Although his worrying injuries now seemed to be in the past, the player lacks the physical strength and quality to be a regular starter in the eleven. In other words, Hazard’s career at the Spanish capital is nearing its expiration date.
Despite having two more seasons left on his contract, the 30-year-old is most likely aware that this is his final lap at the Santiago Bernabeu. If Real Madrid does offload the Belgian next summer, the club would benefit from his departure as roughly 30 million euros from the wage payroll would be cleared off.
Hazard’s wages could be instead used for Kylian Mbappe – a global superstar of a similar status who would also demand a figure similar to what Hazard earned, if not more while also inheriting the number 7 jersey. Finally, it would be the right decision to close the Eden Hazard chapter and move on to brighter things for both player and club.