Blow for Premier League clubs hoping for bargain Hazard deal

Ever since it became clear that Eden Hazard was going to be more of a miss than a hit at Real Madrid, the Belgian has been linked with a return to England and the Premier League. In his seven years with Chelsea, between 2012 and 2019, Hazard was consistently one of the best players in the country and there is a belief that he could thrive once again if he returns to England.

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Several clubs have been touted as possible landing spots for Hazard, from his former club Chelsea to newly rich Newcastle. There has never been a serious push to sign the forward by any of these teams, but they have continually monitored his progress – or lack of it – in the Spanish capital, ready to pounce if the time was right.

Now, though, Carlo Ancelotti has dealt a blow to any of the clubs pondering a move for Hazard, either this January or in the summer. The Italian has consistently defended the 31-year-old and did so again in a press conference on Saturday.

Asked directly if Hazard is in his plans for 2022/23, Ancelotti was up front and replied: “Yes, he is in our plans for next season.”

Real Madrid’s stance on Hazard

At the boardroom level, there are many directors who would like to cash in on Hazard as soon as possible. Even if a transfer fee can’t be secured, they’d at least like to get his wages off the books.

If Ancelotti wants to keep him, though, then there is a willingness to give the Italian what he wants. Ancelotti has built a winning team in record time and already had the trust of the Real Madrid hierarchy. While the Real Madrid coach never has much of a say on transfer policy, Ancelotti will at least be listened to and that could see Hazard given one last chance in 2022/23, which is a blow for his admirers in England.