Newcastle United are reportedly looking to sign Real Madrid attacker Eden Hazard in the summer, and have begun talks with the Belgian.
The Belgian international has endured a difficult time at the Santiago Bernabeu since making the record £103 million move to Real Madrid, back in 2019. That said, he has spent most of his time on the sidelines due to injury.
As per Defensa Central (h/t Mirror), Newcastle have made Eden Hazard one of their targets for next summer. The Magpies are all but out of the relegation battle, and are set to spend big money over the summer.
With Kylian Mbappe heavily tipped to sign with Real Madrid for next summer, Hazard’s place in the Real Madrid XI is a massive doubt. With the Belgian being a shadow of his former self at the Bernabeu, it is unlikely that Ancelotti will count on him next season.
El Newcastle United puede mover ficha para firmar a Eden Hazard https://t.co/vmD9yMnuIJ
— Fichajes.com (@Fichajes_futbol) March 6, 2022
Spanish outlet Defensa Central understands that Newcastle are the only side so far, to have shown a concrete interest in signing Hazard. The report also adds that the Magpies will look to tempt the former Chelsea man with a lucrative contract. The Magpies have initiated talks with Madrid over a potential transfer.
Real Madrid want to reduce their wage bill, with the potential transfers of Haaland and Mbappe looming. Hazard is on a £400,000/week contract and has been unable to do justice to those numbers.
Eden Hazard to Newcastle United – Right choice by Howe?
Eddie Howe has done well to steer Newcastle in the right direction in recent months. Howe’s side are now seven points clear of the relegation zone and do not look like slipping up in the near future.
Howe is looking at bolstering his attack for next season. The idea is probably to elevate Newcastle to a team that can compete for a place in the top eight at the very least.
Given their current status, they will not be able to make any marquee signings. One thing is clear, if Hazard does join, he will have a central role to play in the Magpies’ project.
Philippe Coutinho recently made his return to the Premier League with Aston Villa. He has been in sparkling form since his return to England. Perhaps, Newcastle United could be thinking about handing a lifeline to Hazard, who now has his career to play for.
The 31-year-old has already fallen down the pecking order at Real Madrid, and things could only go further downhill next season should he decide to stay. With Mbappe potentially joining and Los Blancos keen on developing Rodrygo, Hazard’s playing time could be limited.
All in all, Howe is making the right decision to go after Hazard. He is a proven performer on English soil and on his day, he can single-handedly win games for his side, much like he did during his time at Chelsea.