Eden Hazard in action for Real Madrid against Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League. (imago Images)
A report by Spanish outlet Marca (h/t Daily Star) mentions that Eden Hazard wants a move to Chelsea as he prepares for talks with new Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian took over the helm at Santiago Bernabeu this summer after leaving Everton, and now has the task of sorting out Hazard’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Hazard was a hero at Chelsea and led them to two Premier League and UEFA Europa League titles during his seven-year stay. He departed the club in 2019 for a £130m fee, but after a troublesome spell in the Spanish capital, wants a return to London. Should Thomas Tuchel welcome Hazard back, or is this a deal for Chelsea to avoid?
It is a pretty controversial statement to say that a club does not need Eden Hazard. The Belgian winger has mesmerized fans globally during his time at Lille, Chelsea, and the Belgian national team and has the trophy cabinet to show for it. But at 30, he is slowly approaching the twilight of his career and would not be a long-term asset if Chelsea were to welcome him back.
The Blues have an exciting and youthful squad under Thomas Tuchel right now. Moreover, the 3-4-2-1 formation that Tuchel usually plays requires two wing-backs rather than traditional wingers. Instead of wingers in attack, a number 9 is usually supported by two attacking midfielders on either side. This is clearly visible in the treatment of Christian Pulisic.
The American attacker was playing on the wings under Frank Lampard. But since the appointment of Tuchel, Pulisic has found himself playing as an attacking midfielder in Tuchel’s attacking three (h/t transfermarkt). So, at least on paper, it could be a bit tough to incorporate Hazard, who has made his name playing on the wings, into Chelsea’s new formation.
Moreover, Hazard’s fitness issues aren’t a secret anymore. At the time of joining Madrid, Hazard himself told L’Equipe (h/t The Independent) that he was overweight and heavier than he should have been. On top of that, according to Transfermarkt, Hazard has missed at least 59 games for Madrid due to injuries in the past 2 years.
Probably not. A report by The Guardian during the time of his move to Madrid mentioned that the Belgian is expected to earn £400,000-a-week at the Santiago Bernabeu. That is a massive figure for a player who turns 31 in 5 months’ time. In comparison, according to Sportek (h/t football.london), Ben Chilwell is Chelsea’s highest-earning player at £190,000-a-week.
Moreover, Madrid signed Hazard for a mammoth fee, as mentioned above in the article. It is highly unlikely they would want to make a very big loss on that purchase, especially with three years still left on his current deal. So, the question arises- is Eden Hazard worth the potential trouble it may cause Chelsea to land him at Stamford Bridge?
The answer to that question, as subjective as it may be, seems like a ‘no’ right now. Hazard looks like he is past his best and his injury record also does not help his case. Tuchel has a good thing going with young attackers such as Pulisic, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount etc. It is impractical to disrupt that harmony.
The focus, if Chelsea are itching to sign a new player, should lie on the No. 9 spot in the team. Apart from that, if Tuchel really wants a winger in his side, he can always opt to hand 20-year-old Callum Hudson-Odoi more minutes on the flanks.
