Chelsea could sign £89m man in January, as player unhappy

Chelsea have Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi who can operate in wide roles, but Mundo Deportivo (h/t Sport Witness) believe the Blues are after another – Eden Hazard.

The 30-year-old has an uncertain future at Real Madrid after struggling for form, fitness and playing time. Reports suggests he’s considering a return to Stamford Bridge as he’s not happy in Spain.

Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he won’t stand in the player’s way if he wants out at the Santiago Bernabeu, so it appears his time may be up. The Belgian international has made 53 appearances in all competitions since joining for £89m, scoring five goals with nine assists.

Hazard’s time at Real has been marred by injuries. He played in only 16/38 La Liga games in 2019/20 and 14/38 La Liga games in 2020/21. This season, Hazard has started just four times in the league and has yet to score. He turns 31 in January and earns £416k-per-week at Real, so would they get value for money?

Thomas Tuchel might be content with what he’s got for now too, as Chelsea are top of the Premier League with 25 points from 10 games, three points clear of second-placed Liverpool.

Real would want as much of the £89m spent back if Hazard was sold and Chelsea would have to pay £21.6m-a-year for a player that’s missed more than half the season in two consecutive campaigns, so it might not be a smart decision bringing him back to the Bridge.

Hazard scored 110 goals and made 92 assists in 352 games for Chelsea between 2012 and 2019, but business savvy has to trump sentimentality.