Newcastle United are reportedly among a host of clubs interested in signing out-of-favour Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard in January.
The Magpies are the richest club in Europe following their takeover by a Saudi-led consortium and are preparing to flex their financial muscle by bringing in a bunch of top players in the next few transfer windows.
According to ESPN, Real Madrid have contacted Newcastle United, as well as Chelsea, over a possible move for the Belgium international.
Hazard has failed to live up to his price tag following his move to Real Madrid in 2019. The 30-year-old has been plagued by injuries the past couple of seasons and has managed just 52 appearances in all competitions, scoring a measly five goals and providing nine assists.
He is reportedly not a part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans, with the Real Madrid manager recently stating that Hazard “has a coach who prefers other players.”
Hazard still has three years left on his current contract, but considering his recent form and injury record, Real Madrid will likely be happy to cut their losses and part with the Belgian in the January window.
Eden Hazard to Newcastle United – A wise move by the Magpies?
Newcastle United are currently in 19th place in the Premier League, having failed to win a single game this season. Their current squad is woefully short on quality and the Magpies need reinforcements in January if they are to avoid relegation.
Newcastle’s problems stem from their insipid attack. The Magpies have scored just 11 goals in nine leagues games, with the likes of Calum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin often starved of service.
In that context, Newcastle should jump at the chance to sign a player of Eden Hazard’s quality. The Belgian proved during his time with Chelsea that he was one of the most dangerous wingers in world football and if he can rediscover that form, he will certainly be able to spearhead Newcastle’s charge.
Hazard has exquisite dribbling skills, sharp movement and an eye for goal. He would walk into the Newcastle United lineup and instantly add creativity, flair and goals to a struggling unit. He will also bring with him a winning mentality, having lifted a host of trophies, including two Premier Leagues and two Europa Leagues with Chelsea, and La Liga with Real Madrid.
A move to a club like Newcastle might look like a huge step down for Hazard on paper, but it will provide him with the opportunity to once again be the centrepiece of a team, whilst also resurrecting his stalling career.
For Newcastle, landing a player like Hazard would be a huge statement of intent and could also serve to attract other top players to the club.