3 possible Eden Hazard swap deals for Real Madrid

Florian Wirtz

With Modric heading towards the twilight of his amazing career at Real Madrid, the club will need to find a suitable replacement.

The first name that comes to mind is the German wonderkid from Bayer Leverkusen, Florian Wirtz.

According to Marca, Wirtz, 18, is on a shortlist of young rising stars that Real  Madrid is currently tracking as potential future signings.

Following the sale of Kai Havertz to Chelsea, Leverkusen was quickly able to replace Havertz’s production with the 18-year-old midfielder.

Wirtz has been integral to his club’s attack, recording 8 goals and 12 assists in all competitions this season (earning 5 team of the week nods in the process).

He’s mainly played in an attacking midfield role at Bayer 04 but he’s also had experience as a central midfielder.

Unlike other midfielders, Wirtz enjoys putting himself right in the middle of the park, deep in the middle third, to facilitate Leverkusen’s attack.

His quick first touch and technique on the ball allow him to break through tackles and hold off everyone in his way. Similar to Modric, he’s got a knack for finding teammates in scoring positions through his majestic passing, with teammate Patrick Schick reaping the rewards of Wirtz’s vision (10 big chances created, 79% passes completed and only behind Thomas Muller in Bundesliga for assists).

The German wonderkid can struggle with aerial duels because of his size, and isn’t the best tackler, but can excel at times when pressing high. He positions himself by constantly analyzing the field before receiving a pass.

And upon receiving passes he burns his opponents with elusive dribbling that leaves defenses flustered (61% successful dribbles per game).

The way Wirtz has kept himself relaxed and humble since coming into the limelight of European football is great for any player who’s playing for Madrid, let alone becoming a potential successor to Luka Modric.

Why and How This Could Work

This swap could work for both parties because Hazard would be a leader and focal part of a young attack along with Schick and Diaby, while also playing in the same league as his younger brother Thorgan (Dortmund).

With Wirtz’s currently contracted until 2026, and given his performances the past few years we can assume his price tag will be around €50-70 mil euros, Real Madrid will likely need to purchase Wirtz outright for around €52.5-65 mil euros, and loan Hazard to Leverkusen for a year or two while covering all, or a majority, his wages in the process.

This deal falls in line with Madrid’s youth movement and allows them to get a player who can eventually fill the Croatian’s boots.

Estimated Value: €70 mil euros

Potential swap including Hazard: Hazard on loan for two years (contract expires in 2024) and €55.5 mil euros for Wirtz

Alternatives to also look at:  Lucas Paqueta (Lyon), Nicolo Barella (Inter),  Christopher Nkunku (Leipzig)