Real Madrid have 'no idea' what to do with Hazard

FT Desk
FT Desk
  • Updated: 24 Oct 2022 16:03 BST
  • 3 min read
Eden Hazard, Real Madrid, 2021/22
© ProShots

Real Madrid are at a loss over what to do with expensive flop Eden Hazard.

Hazard was a long-time favourite at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu during his time with Chelsea, and Madrid finally got their man in the summer of 2019.

Article continues under the video

The La Liga giants reportedly paid out more than €100 million to make Hazard one of the most expensive players of all time, but he has done little since then to suggest he could live up to that price tag.

In the last three and a half seasons the Belgian has played just 71 times in all competitions and netted a paltry seven goals, falling well short of expectations at Madrid.

Injury and fitness issues have left him a marginalised figure within the club and the current term looks to be developing in much the same way, with Hazard appearing in just three of his side's opening 11 Liga games to date.

What's next for Hazard?

Eden Hazard, Real Madrid, 2021/22
© ProShots

Cutting their losses, however, may not prove straightforward for the Blancos.

Hazard remains under contract until June 2024 and with his current struggles it seems unlikely that many clubs will be racing to take the Belgium star off Madrid's hands before that link comes to an end.

According to Spanish journalist Pacojo Delgado Madrid are now at a loss over what to do with the player, who reportedly earns €600,000 a week and is their best-paid player.

One possible solution for both player and club could be a short-term move away from the Bernabeu.

El Madridista reports that Juventus are one side that could make a loan approach for Hazard in January in order to bolster their fading fortunes.

The two clubs are on excellent terms, particularly between their respective presidents Florentino Perez and Andrea Agnelli; but Hazard's massive wages may stand in the way of a deal going through.

Read more about: La Liga, Real Madrid, Eden Hazard

Never miss the next big transfer!

Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox.