Real Madrid have been very smart with their transfer signings over the years. That is one of the reasons why they have continued to enjoy remarkable success on the pitch, despite spending less than several midtable Premier League teams in recent times. But then, not all moves can work out.
One major transfer that has not worked out for Real Madrid was the signing of Eden Hazard. Los Blancos shelled out a club record fee in order to bring the Belgian to Santiago Bernabeu to be the new face of the team.
At that time, the move made sense. Hazard had established himself as a legend at Chelsea over his seven years there and was in the middle of his prime when he made the move to Real Madrid. What has followed has been a bit of a nightmare for the Belgian.
Hazard has had to deal with one injury after another during his nearly four years at Real Madrid. During that time, others have moved ahead of him in the pecking order, and right now, he might be the last choice winger at the club.
Manchester City legend makes superb claim about Real Madrid player
Despite Hazard’s struggles at Real Madrid, Vincent Kompany still seems to have faith in his former Belgian teammate. As reported by GOAL, the Manchester City legend told RTBF:
"“He can still score in the Champions League final, he can still win a title. There is still magic in this player, in the person. And we have to hope for the best for him so that he finishes as he deserves.”"
At the moment, it does not feel like Hazard is someone that Ancelotti relies on. And at 32 years of age, with his history of injuries, it feels almost impossible for the Belgian to rediscover his best.
Never say never in football though. At the top of his game, Hazard was without doubt one of the best in the world and an incredible entertainer. Unfortunately, we never got to see that in a Real Madrid jersey for a considerable length of time.