Hazard injury could threaten Real Madrid transfer
Chelsea winger Eden Hazard suffered a broken ankle while on international duty with Belgium, and it could threaten a world-record move to the Bernabéu.
Eden Hazard has been consistently linked with a move to Real Madrid in recent weeks. The Chelsea winger has been on Los Blancos’ agenda for some time, and Zinedine Zidane has been pushing for his signing since before he became the manager at the Bernabéu.
Hazard to Madrid for €115?
Reports in England state that Real Madrid have met with the player’s representatives up to three times, and Chelsea could receive an offer of €115 million for the Belgian. That would constitute a world-record transfer fee, exceeding what Manchester United paid to re-sign Paul Pogba in 2016.
Yet the broken ankle that Hazard sustained on international duty on Sunday could throw a spanner in the works. According to the Belgian FA, the player will be out of action for three months. This could mean that Real Madrid’s interest will cool. It is not certain that Hazard would be fit for the start of the 2017/18 LaLiga season, and Madrid have other targets in mind; among them, Monaco striker Kylian Mbappé.
Ronaldo's position could be influential
The former-Lille man usually occupies the left flank, the same position that Cristiano Ronaldo made his own at the Bernabéu. That said, the Portuguese has shifted towards the centre of the pitch this season, with devastating effect. If he is to continue in this role, it would free up a spot on the left wing.
Hazard has not yet renewed his contract at Stamford Bridge, which expires in 2020.
