Chelsea legend offered sensational Premier League return with Crystal Palace plotting shock transfer
Crystal Palace are weighing up a move for Chelsea legend Eden Hazard according to reports as the Belgian winger considers his options.
There can be little doubt that Hazard is one of the best players the Premier League has ever seen. The Belgian winger was capable of winning games by himself and Chelsea fans will still treasure their memories of the playmaker.
Since leaving the Premier League, it is fair to say that Hazard hasn’t had the same success. Real Madrid splashed over £100m on the winger, but injuries have seriously hampered his career since.
During his four-year stay at Real Madrid, the playmaker made a mere 76 appearances across all competitions. He struggled to stay fit and it wasn’t long until Vinicius Junior took his starting spot on the left-hand side.
Fast forward to 2023 and the 32-year-old now finds himself as a free agent. In June this year Real Madrid and Hazard agreed to a mutual agreement to terminate his contract.
In his four years at the Santiago Bernabeu, Hazard scored just seven goals and provided 12 assists. A record that pales in comparison to his elite record at Stamford Bridge.
Despite his struggles of late, Hazard has been linked with a sensational return to the Premier League. According to Football Transfers, Crystal Palace are plotting a shock move for the winger.
The report clarifies that Steve Parish believes the 32-year-old still has something to offer and Roy Hodgson is also said to be keen on the move.
Arsenal and Newcastle had also been linked with Hazard earlier in the year, but their interest in the Belgium international seems to have cooled.
A move for Hazard would be risky
From a commercial aspect, signing a superstar like Hazard would bring plenty of eyeballs to Crystal Palace. He also has a superb record in the Premier League, but his recent injury record cannot be ignored.
It has been suggested that Hazard could perhaps sign a pay-as-you-play contract at Selhurst Park, which would mitigate some of the risk from the club’s point of view.
Palace themselves have done some of their best business when signing the next up-and-coming stars. They’ve got great value from signing the likes of Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise in recent years.
Signing Hazard would go against their usual transfer policy, but perhaps they see this as an opportunity too good to turn down.
While Hazard might be contemplating the offer from Palace, he is also said to be considering his retirement. After an injury-hit stint in Spain, rumours regarding Hazard’s retirement have been rife this summer.
Hazard could also end up in MLS or even the Saudi Pro League. Perhaps a sentimental move back to Belgium could also be under consideration.
As he is currently a free agent, Hazard won’t need to worry about the summer transfer window closing as he can still sign for a club after the deadline. Time will tell if does end up back in the Premier League.
