How to solve a problem like Eden Hazard?
Having been an integral part of Chelsea’s multiple successes since his arrival in 2012, Eden Hazard has become synonymous with the ever changing managerial landscape at the club. At times elusive, Hazard’s performances have fluctuated massively over his tenure at Stamford Bridge – a metaphor in so many ways for the changing fortunes of a club that finished 5th this season after having won the league by 13 points the season before. Yet only last week Hazard almost single-handedly propelled Chelsea to a FA Cup triumph – a reminder of his importance upon this current Chelsea crop.
Speculation is rife over his future and here we assess the options available to the enigmatic Belgian:
Hazard the Galactico?
Real Madrid continued their dominance of European club football once again this season by winning their third Champions League in a row – a prize that as yet has eluded Hazard. The hierarchy at the Bernabeau have been vocal previously in their admiration for Hazard and his global appeal fits in well with the Madrid character type. The only question mark lies in whether they can fit the Belgian into their system? Real Madrid are 6/4 with Betway to sign Eden Hazard this summer.
Part of the Pep revolution?
Back in 2012 – as one of the most sought after prospects in world football, Hazard flirted with the idea of joining both Manchester clubs before speaking to then-teammate Joe Cole about the lure of joining Chelsea. Fast forward 6 years and a lot has changed for both Chelsea and Manchester City and the sky blues have one of the most attractive managers in world football in Pep Guardiola. City have the financial muscle to tempt Hazard but it could well be one of the most dramatic moves in recent Premier League history were it to go ahead. Hazard is 5/1 with Ladbrokes to join Manchester City this summer.
Stay at home or go further afield?
The general consensus is that if Hazard were to leave Chelsea, it would be for a ‘bigger’ club – perhaps testimony to Chelsea’s status that there are very few of them across Europe currently – meaning he is still 4/6 with Betfred to be a Chelsea player next season. There are a plethora of other options available to Hazard though it seems with Bayern Munich (25/1 with Bet Victor) and Juventus (25/1 with William Hill) and both teams would feel that if they could snare Hazard, he could be the final piece of the jigsaw were those teams to push towards Champions League glory.
With the World Cup on the horizon, Eden Hazard carries the hopes of a nation as he – along with Belgium’s golden generation – look to press towards the biggest prize in football. Should he be instrumental in any Belgian success, his stock could rise to unprecedented levels and Chelsea could have a real fight on their hands to keep their star man.