Eden Hazard stance on dramatic Chelsea return as next transfer considered
Chelsea transfer news: Eden Hazard was linked with a spectacular return to Stamford Bridge this summer after his release from Real Madrid
Eden Hazard is still without a club after leaving Real Madrid. A return to Chelsea for Eden Hazard following his contract termination at Real Madrid was never on the cards, it has been reported. The 32-year-old left the Spanish giants after enduring a nightmare four seasons full of injuries. Hazard made just 76 appearances for Los Blancos and failed to live up to expectations after his initial £88.3million move to the Santiago Bernabeu. His time in Spain could not have been more different than his successful spell in England, which saw him win both the Premier League and PFA Player of the Year Award on two separate occasions. Injuries to Hazard have left his playing days in doubt, especially after he failed to land a move throughout the summer transfer window. However, at some point over the summer, reports emerged of the Belgian returning to Stamford Bridge in a spectacular return.
No move came to fruition and Hazard remains a free agent, despite reportedly having six teams offering him a chance to return to action. Suggestions of retirement have continued to linger, even more so after Hazard pulled the curtain down on his time with the Belgian national team. Now, according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, a return to SW6 was never an option for Hazard. “Eden Hazard is still a free agent and has not yet decided if he wants to join a new club,” he told Caught Offside. “That’s because retirement is also an option for the former Real Madrid and Chelsea attacking midfielder. “Returning to Chelsea was never an option for the 32-year-old. This rumor started when Hazard was spotted at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea’s season opener against Liverpool. Hazard never played a part in luring Belgian Romeo Lavia to Chelsea, but a return to Chelsea was never discussed.
“Hazard hasn’t actually been short of offers. Al-Hilal made an enquiry earlier this summer. Hazard also had some MLS options, including interest from Inter Miami. A return to Lille was also discussed by the Ligue 1 club. And Nice considered Hazard as well. “But the truth is that Hazard did not spend the summer discussing between clubs because before he can do that he has to decide if he wants to continue playing.”