After four seasons at Real Madrid plagued with persistent injury problems, Eden Hazard is set to leave the club this month. The club announced that it had reached an agreement with the player to release him from his contract a year before his deal was due to expire. Hazard joined Madrid from Chelsea in July 2019 in a move worth an initial €100 million. The Belgian signed a five-year deal as one of the biggest stars in the English Premier League.
Hazard’s time at the Santiago Bernabeu was disappointing, with only six LaLiga appearances this season, four of which were as a substitute, and no goals scored. Injury problems, beginning in his first season in Madrid with an ankle fracture that required surgery, marred his tenure with the club. The insertion of a metal plate during the operation resulted in additional challenges for the Belgian. After two years, the plate was removed, but Hazard never made a full recovery.
Adding to his issues on the pitch, Hazard’s preferred left-wing position was occupied by rising star Vinicius Junior. Hazard retired from international football in December after Belgium’s group stage exit at the 2022 World Cup. In an interview with newspaper Marca a month earlier, Hazard apologised to Real Madrid fans, rating his impact on the field as “zero,” and stating he would accept a transfer this summer.
Real Madrid wishes Hazard the best of luck in his new period. In its statement, the club expressed its affection for the midfielder, who helped secure eight trophies during his time with the club, including one European Cup, one Club World Cup, one European Super Cup, two leagues, one Copa del Rey, and two Spanish Super Cups.
The announcement of Hazard’s departure sent shockwaves through the football world, especially as it was a year before his contract was supposed to expire. Hazard is still regarded as one of the best wingers in football history, and his talent, size, and technical ability have always impressed fans and critics. Despite his injuries at Real Madrid, Hazard could still play a significant role in the transfer market. Many top clubs around the globe, including Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, have already signalled their interest in the Belgian.
Hazard’s potential move could mean a return to the Premier League, where his performances for Chelsea attracted worldwide attention. The Belgian won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup, and two Europa League trophies during his time at Stamford Bridge. It was his dazzling performances that convinced Real Madrid to spend €100 million on him, making him one of the most expensive signings in football history at the time, but his tenure at the club was disappointing, to say the least.
With his departure from Real Madrid confirmed, football fans worldwide are eager to see where Hazard will end up next. Many expect him to return to the Premier League, but with his talent, experience, and reputation as one of the best wingers in the game, he could go anywhere. Regardless of his destination, one thing is sure, Hazard will be keen to put his injury woes behind him and return to his best on the football pitch.
