The nightmare has finally come to an end for Eden Hazard. After much careful consideration, both Real Madrid and Eden Hazard have mutually decided to terminate the Belgian’s contract.
While he had still a year remaining on his Madrid contract, the time was just right for all parties involved to make this move. Carlos Ancelotti never had the former Chelsea star in his plans and hence this decision was made.
In his four years with Real Madrid, Hazard made just a meagre 78 appearances for the club and scored a well below-average 7 goals for Los Blancos. After a turbulent time with the capital outfit, the future of the Belgian has been the centre of attention. FootTheBall analyses the potential destinations for Eden Hazard after his contract termination with Real Madrid.
Chelsea
Well this would be a dream, wouldn’t it? During Eden Hazard’s time at Chelsea, the Belgian was by far the best player in the Premier League.
Two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, one Carabao Cup and a Europa League trophy later, Hazard decided his time was up with the Blues. He left the Stamford Bridge outfit for his dream move to Real Madrid, but that did not go according to plan.
Fans would love him back in some sort of capacity, but it all depends on the new Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino and Todd Boehly. Given that the squad is already quite bloated, this move has a 50-50 chance.
Eden Hazard will leave Real Madrid🚨
The contract has been mutually terminated after & will be a free agent after June 30👋#RealMadrid #Hazard pic.twitter.com/jOKUKyvuv1
— FootTheBall FC (@FootTheBallFC) June 3, 2023
Manchester United
The least likely of the moves from this list. Although it is not without any concrete news, a move to Old Trafford for Eden Hazard just does not make sense for both him and the management.
The Belgian nowhere fits Erik ten Hag’s philosophy and with the kind of pressing he needs from his attackers, hazard might not fit the bill. On top of that, add to the fact that Amad Diallo returns from a fantastic loan spell at Sunderland along with the rise of Alejandro Garnacho, Hazard has better options out there.
Retirement
The best and most likelier of options available to Eden Hazard right now. Not many would have predicted that the Belgian international would’ve thought of retiring at the early age of 33, but this is football.
Many football greats have called time on their career due to varying degrees of injuries and Hazard’s case is no different. While the recently departed Madrid star would want to continue playing, retiring at the right time looks like the right call at this point.
Saudi Pro League
The Saudi Pro League is catching fire. Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo made THAT move to Al Nassr, it is slowly becoming the kind of money-making or retirement home like the Chinese Super League or MLS was a few years back.
In recent times, the likes of Karim Benzema, Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and N’Golo Kante to name a few have been linked to the SPL. While Hazard’s priority will surely not be money, the attraction of playing in a league where players like Messi, Ronaldo and Benzema might ply their trade next season, is too big a reason to ignore.
If the Belgian absolutely does not want to retire and has no other offers from Europe, this should be a no-brainer for the two-time Premier League champion.