Real Madrid and Chelsea are reportedly in talks over a possible summer loan deal involving 31-year-old Belgian forward Eden Hazard.
According to Spanish journalist, Ramon Alvarez de Mon of Radio MARCA, Chelsea and Real Madrid are negotiating a loan deal for Eden Hazard ahead of the summer transfer window. If a consensus is found, the 31-year-old forward will return to Stamford Bridge for the 2022/23 season, with the Blues not having the option to re-sign him permanently.
Eden Hazard joined Real Madrid in July 2019 following a fruitful seven-year stint with Chelsea. It was a dream move for the Belgian international, who departed Stamford Bridge amicably. But the transfer has not worked out as envisioned for the player, whose performance levels have drastically reduced due to a spate of injuries.
While the 31-year-old has been relatively injury-free this season, he has not convinced Carlo Ancelotti to become a regular. As a result, Hazard has started only nine of the 37 matches played by Real Madrid this term, garnering just 877 minutes of game-time in the process. Hazard’s struggles have not detracted Chelsea from pursuing him, with the club keen on re-signing him.
Hazard is reportedly keen on rejoining Chelsea, and the Blues’ interest in their former talisman could be stemming from the inconsistencies of Christian Pulisic and Timo Werner. Hazard might have been a shell of his former self, but he could rediscover his best form in familiar surroundings.
As a result, Chelsea and Real Madrid are already holding talks to churn out details of a possible loan deal. Such a transfer would be akin to Gareth Bale’s move to Tottenham Hotspur in the 2020/21 season, wherein the Welshman flourished at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before returning to Real Madrid.
Like Tottenham, Chelsea will not have the option to sign Hazard permanently, as the transfer would be a ‘dry loan’. But a solid campaign with Chelsea could enable Real Madrid to raise Hazard’s asking price before diverting recouped sums towards signing targets like Christopher Nkunku.
But talks are still in the early stages, and it remains to be seen if Chelsea will be able to bring Hazard back to Stamford Bridge. If the transfer sees the light of day, the 31-year-old will hope to find his best form after nearly three nightmarish years at Real Madrid.
