Few would have predicted that the defending champion Chelsea would follow up one of the most dominant seasons in Premier League history with just three wins to show for their first 11 games of the new season. With those struggles comes the very brutal reality that change is likely coming to Stamford Bridge…if they don’t turn things around. In addition to manager Jose Mourinho being on the hot seat, there are a number of players that have been talked about in transfer rumors including one in particular in Eden Hazard. The Belgian forward has indicated he would be interested in a move and with a number of teams interested in his services, it could be only a matter of time before he gets his wish. Here is a look at the four best potential landing spots for Hazard.
Real Madrid
One team that has reportedly reached out and expressed interest in acquiring Hazard is Real Madrid, which must love the idea of adding an ultra-talented 24-year-old that could play both in the midfield and up front, and serve as the perfect complement to its superstars. Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema have led the way up front for Real Madrid again this season and a creative playmaker as talented as Hazard would be the perfect fit playing behind them in a position where he can help maximize their potential in a setup role. They also might be looking for someone that can soften the blow if Benzema is forced to miss any time in the Valbuena sex tape case.
Real Madrid is already an established contender in both La Liga and the Champions League, and Hazard would represent the perfect fit as the addition that could potentially put them over the top. Chelsea has reportedly demanded a record transfer fee in exchange for the Belgian star and if they hold true to that demand, then Real Madrid could very well wind up as the only team with enough money to land him. They have the deep pockets that many other teams across Europe do not.
Barcelona
It would be very interesting to see if Barcelona would be interested in competing with its biggest rival for Hazard’s services as he would definitely be a quality fit in their midfield. That would set him up behind the loaded cast in Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. The Spanish giants have already proven that there is no such thing as having too many star players – many people thought they were crazy when they paired the aforementioned trio together. While they are loaded at the striker position, Hazard would be an excellent fit for them as a playmaker that would be able to slide right into their midfield.
Paris Saint-Germain
There aren’t many clubs that will be able to afford Hazard’s hefty price tag but one team that could be in the mix is PSG, which is rumored to be interested in the star midfielder. Hazard’s talent and age make him an excellent potential fit at PSG where they are looking to upgrade their talent level with at least one star. There are persistent rumors that Mourinho might be heading to PSG too, so it wouldn’t be a huge shock if he brought along – or lobbied to – have a familiar face come with him.
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Manchester City
The high price tag for Hazard is an obvious aspect that has to be addressed if he is moved and with so few teams able to afford it, City has to remain one of the options. There’s no question that Chelsea would rather ship him off somewhere other than City since they’re one of their biggest rivals. However, their goal of rebuilding might get priority over that. City is absolutely loaded up front but they have struggled with injuries early on this year and Hazard could help make up for those losses while serving as one of the faces for a bright future for the club.
