Eden Hazard has surpassed Gareth Bale to become Real Madrid’s most expensive transfer of all time after add-ons were triggered. Despite Hazard’s initial £ 88.3 million deal rising to £142m in 2019, he has failed to live up to expectations, scoring just seven goals in 73 matches for Los Blancos.
However, several add-ons being met in his sale from Chelsea have now made Hazard’s transfer more expensive than the £90m Real spent on Bale from Tottenham in 2013.
Injuries have plagued the retired Belgium international’s time in Spain, with the 32-year-old not making an appearance for over two months despite being a permanent resident on the bench. Still, Hazard has decided to stay at the Bernabeu until his contract expires at the end of next season.
Hazard’s Status
According to reports, Hazard informed Real of his decision to see his contract out last month, citing “professional and personal reasons”.
His family is well settled in Madrid, with his ten-year-old son Leo recently joining the club’s academy. The report also claimed that Hazard has no offers from other clubs, nor has he been negotiating with any potential suitors.
Despite being Real’s top earner in the squad, Hazard has not played much this campaign, with just 296 minutes of game time. However, he has no plans to take a pay cut. Despite his heft salary, Hazard remains a popular figure in the dressing room with his teammates. A
Although they do not believe he can contribute much on the pitch, this view is shared by Real’s coaching staff.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid’s coach, spoke last week about Hazard, saying, “Hazard is fine. He is training, and he wants to have minutes. He can have them in the next game.”
However, Hazard subsequently failed to come off the bench in the Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg defeat to Barcelona and the 0-0 draw against Real Betis.
The Belgian is determined to see out his contract and will follow stars such as Gareth Bale, Isco, and Mariano Diaz in staying with the Spanish giants.
Before the purchase announcement, Hazard spent seven years playing for Chelsea where he scored 110 goals in 352 appearances helping the Blues win six trophies, which included two Premier League titles, in the process.
Chelsea’s Purchase Story
Chelsea signed Eden Hazard for a whopping £32 million in 2012. The 21-year-old signed a five-year deal worth £100,000 per week after tax.
Chelsea’s owner, Roman Abramovich, personally drove the purchase, showing his intent to rebuild the squad and compete domestically with the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City.
Before playing for Chelsea, Hazard was with Lille. He played a crucial role in Lille’s success, scoring 20 goals and providing 15 assists in his final season. He was convinced that Chelsea was the best career move for him and would play in the No. 10 role or off the left, alongside Juan Mata.
Former Chelsea player Joe Cole, who spent the previous season on loan at Lille, played a crucial role in convincing Hazard to sign for the club.
