Chelsea keen on re-signing Eden Hazard from Real Madrid
According to Spanish publication Defensa Central (h/t Express), Chelsea chiefs remain interested in bringing Belgian superstar Eden Hazard back to Stamford Bridge.
The 30-year-old spent seven years at Chelsea during which he developed into one of the best midfielders in the world. During this time, he won six major honours with the Blues including two Premier League titles.
Hazard moved to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2019 for a whopping €100m. It is fair to say that he has since failed to come close to the performances he put up for the Blues.
The Belgian has also been subject to a number of injuries that have limited him to just 35 appearances for Real. During this time he has missed 50 games due to injury. His time in Spain has been nothing short of a nightmare and Chelsea could offer him a way out of this mess.
The Blues believe Hazard can spearhead a new era for the team under Thomas Tuchel. Given his intimate understanding of the club and standing among supporters, one can understand the thought process behind a potential return.
A depreciating asset!
Chelsea, however, will not pay over the odds for the 30-year-old. The Blues are willing to pay €50m at the most, half of what they received for the player just two years ago. Given Hazard’s age and recent injury record, his value will only depreciate over time.
Despite heavy investment last summer, Chelsea have struggled to make an impact at the top end of the table this season. It is believed that the addition of Hazard will give us the necessary impetus to usher in a new era of dominance.
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Hazard’s return has a touch of romanticism about it that is prevalent in football. However, we will do well to temper down on expectations. The Belgian has looked a shadow of his former self and may not return as the same player that we sold.
We do not have to look far to observe that. Just across the city, Tottenham Hotspur discovered it to their peril with Gareth Bale.