Thorgan Hazard has reportedly emerged on Newcastle’s radar as a potential target, with the Belgian set to cost only around €15 million this summer.
According to a report from German outlet BILD, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle United are interested in versatile Borussia Dortmund attacker Thorgan Hazard and are believed to be preparing an offer to sign the 29-year-old Belgium international, who could be available for a cut-price €15 million this summer.
Over the last month, the Magpies have been linked with a number of goal-scoring wingers, suggesting that Eddie Howe could be looking for reinforcements in wide areas. Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby and Watford’s Ismaila Sarr have been touted as targets. Now, the Magpies have turned their attention toward Dortmund attacker Thorgan Hazard.
The 29-year-old has been with the Bundesliga club for three seasons, having joined from Borussia Mönchengladbach in the summer of 2019. He was regarded as one of the best wide players in the Bundesliga at the time after he was directly involved in 90 goals in 182 appearances for Die Fohlen.
And while he made a promising start to his Dortmund career, contributing with 7 goals and 13 assists in his debut season, Hazard’s form has deteriorated substantially over the last couple of years, with constant injuries playing a big part in hampering his progress. He was not favoured a great deal by former Dortmund boss Marco Rose last term and might not be in new manager Eden Terzic’s plans.
Hazard is said to be one of the highest-paid players at Dortmund, and is under contract at the Westfalenstadion until the summer of 2024. So it is easy to see why the German outfit are believed to be open to the idea of selling him this summer. The Black and Yellows are reportedly willing to let him leave for a transfer fee in the region of €15 million.
With Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe looking to add quality all over the pitch and on the bench, Hazard could fall into that category of a sensible addition who could do a job and offer options with his versatility to operate on both flanks.
His experience could be invaluable to the Tyneside outfit, having regularly played at the highest level on both domestic and international stages. With a World Cup on the horizon, the 29-year-old will also be motivated to impress at his new club in order to cement his place in Roberto Martinez’s Belgium squad.
Newcastle are expected to spend hefty amounts on other priority positions, and they could do a lot worse than exploring a cheap option in Hazard, who would not only add depth to the Magpies’ ranks but might be an upgrade on the likes of Ryan Fraser, Miguel Almiron, and Jacob Murphy.
Hazard’s switch to St James’ Park would also mark his return to English shores, having spent three years on Chelsea’s books without making a single appearance for the Blues. It remains to be seen if Newcastle do follow up on this initial interest by lodging a formal bid for the Belgian international.
