Chelsea’s sputtering 2015-16 season could double as Eden Hazard’s farewell tour. Hazard has told teammates and friends he wants to leave Chelsea for Real Madrid after this season, 101 Great Goals and Get French Football reported Wednesday, citing French newspaper L’Equipe. “The news comes after a week of stories linking the Belgium playmaker with a move to Real Madrid following Jose Mourinho’s decision to drop Hazard in last weekend’s Premier League match against Aston Villa,” according to 101 Great Goals.
“L’Equipe report that Hazard has become disillusioned with life in London and in the Premier League, and the Belgian has already confided to family and friends, plus some national teammates, that he wants out.” The report claims Hazard’s Chelsea departure reportedly would be one of a series of falling transfer dominoes, in which Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Real Madrid for PSG and Zlatan Ibrahimovic exits the French club for pastures anew. Hazard is English soccer’s reigning Player of the Year, but his current form is far from his best.
Hazard’s struggles and rumors of discord with manager Jose Mourinho suggest the 24-year-old Belgian could be ready to author a new chapter in his sparkling career. Chelsea won’t allow Hazard to leave for less than an astronomical transfer fee.
Hazard joined the Blues in June 2012 from French club OSC Lille in a transfer worth £35.3 million ($54.3 million) OSC Lille, and the new contract he signed in February reflects his superstar status and expires in 2020. Hazard’s Chelsea career has included numerous links to PSG. Add Real Madrid to the list of Hazard’s potential suitors, and watch closely for further hints about his future.
