Exploring Destinations, Top Five Clubs Eden Hazard Could Join After Madrid Exit

Exploring Destinations, Top Five Clubs Eden Hazard Could Join After Madrid Exit

Ero Samson
updated at June 5, 2023 at 1:56 PM
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  • Eden Hazard’s Real Madrid chapter came to an end on Sunday
  • The Belgian had a disappointing spell at Real Madrid
  • Hazard featured 79 times for Real Madrid in four seasons

Real Madrid have officially confirmed the departure of several key players, including Eden Hazard, who will be leaving the club this summer.

Despite having one year left on his contract, Hazard and Real Madrid have mutually agreed to part ways. During his four seasons at the club, Hazard contributed to eight titles, including the Champions League, Club World Cup, and two La Liga titles.

Real Madrid, UCL, Champions League, La Liga, Transfers
Eden Hazard’s contract was terminated by Real Madrid. Image: Helios de la Rubia.
Source: Getty Images

However, Eden Hazard’s time at Real Madrid did not go as expected, as he struggled with injuries and failed to reach his previous highs.

The winger came with a hefty transfer fee of over €100 million from Chelsea, but he has seemingly failed to live up to that billing. In short, four goals from 54 league games sums up the four-year story of Real Madrid’s number seven.

With Eden Hazard set to be a free agent, speculation has grown regarding his potential next destination. In this article, we will explore the top five clubs that Hazard could join after leaving Real Madrid.

Vancouver Whitecaps

According to reports from Elfutbolero, the Vancouver Whitecaps have expressed interest in signing Hazard. The MLS club have approached him and his representatives to discuss a potential transfer this summer.

Despite previous unsuccessful attempts from another MLS club, the Montreal Impact, the slower pace and less competitive nature of MLS football could provide Hazard with an opportunity to reignite his career and become a fan favourite, much like Gareth Bale’s experience in the league.

Al-Hilal

French outlet Foot Mercato previously reported that Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal was interested in signing Hazard. Although Hazard initially intended to see out his contract at Real Madrid, he will now be a free agent and could be tempted by the surge of Saudi football.

Real Madrid, UCL, Champions League, La Liga, Transfers
Eden Hazard brings to an end a four-year spell at Real Madrid. Image: Denis Doyle.
Source: Getty Images

Joining Al-Hilal would also provide him with the chance to compete against Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently plays for their rival club Al-Nassr, making for an intriguing storyline.

Fenerbahce

Another potential destination for Hazard is Fenerbahce, a Turkish club known for signing former Premier League players. Fenerbahce has shown a willingness to take chances on players who have struggled in Europe, such as Mesut Ozil and Dele Alli.

In fact, former Fenerbahce chief, Hasan Cetinkaya claims that Eden Hazard once personally told him he would play for the club in the future.

This move could provide Hazard with a fresh start in a less competitive league while fulfilling a promise he made to an old friend.

Arsenal

If Hazard joins Arsenal, it might break hearts in the blue half of London. Chelsea fans might never forgive him.

But it’s wouldn't be as bad as Luis Figo's direct switch from Barcelona to Real Madrid. And if Chelsea don’t show signs of interest, the Belgian might be tempted to put on the red shirt in his second stint in London.

When the Mykhailo Mudryk deal fell through, Mikel Arteta swiftly moved for Leandro Trossard from Brighton. Arteta has already shown that if the deal is reasonable, he will force his hand- and signing Hazard would only cost his wages.

Chelsea

Rumours of Eden Hazard returning to Chelsea have been a common theme since 2019.

The Belgian is still highly regarded by Chelsea fans, and he has spoken positively about the club in the past. Although The Blues went through a massive squad overhaul, they still finished 12th on the Premier League table.

Hazard is a tested player for the London club, and chairperson Todd Boehly might bring him back to Stamford Bridge to reignite the fire in his squad.

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Eden Hazard is linked with a return to Chelsea. Image: Ozan Kose.
Source: Getty Images

Previously, Eden Hazard played 352 games for Chelsea, netting 110 goals and providing 92 assists.

As he prepares to leave Real Madrid on June 30, the footballing world eagerly awaits his next move.

Whether he opts for a fresh challenge in MLS, a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, a return to the Premier League, or even a reunion with Chelsea, Hazard’s choice will undoubtedly generate excitement and anticipation among fans.

Regardless of where he ends up, there is no denying the talent and potential he possesses, and many will be hoping to see him regain his best form and make a significant impact at his next club.

No farewell appearance for Hazard

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on the reason Eden Hazard didn’t get a farewell appearance at Real Madrid.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Hazard did not ask to come on.

“I can only make five changes. They did not ask to come on, but I want to say they have been serious and professional, ” he said, as per reports from Marca.
“They have behaved at the maximum level until the last day.”
Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).
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