Could Eden Hazard be on course for an unexpected Chelsea return, three years after his big-money Real Madrid move went through?
The Belgian's 2021/22 season in Spain was more underwhelming than the previous campaign, and he was linked to the likes of Newcastle and Arsenal in the latest January transfer window. A return to one of Lille or the Blues was also said to be another option on the cards back then.
However, Carlo Ancelotti decided to keep hold of the winger in case he had to call upon him if Los Blancos suffered an injury crisis in the second half of the campaign. It was certainly a smart decision for the former Chelsea boss to keep hold of fringe players like Gareth Bale and Hazard himself as the safe option meant that both, despite not featuring much in the Champions League success, could pick up winners medals.
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Bale has since left upon the termination of his contract to join up with Los Angeles FC ahead of the Qatar World Cup, while Hazard still has two years left on his current deal at the Santiago Bernabeu. Whether he is to move elsewhere this summer remains to be seen but the immediate implications suggest nothing is imminent currently with Hazard with the rest of the Real squad on their pre-season tour of the United States.
Something could develop later on in the transfer window with Real Madrid understandably keen to remove their No.7's wages from their wage bill if he no longer plays a big part in their plans. Could Boehly's latest move indicate that something could be happening behind the scenes?
We already know that alongside Raheem Sterling, at least one more attacker is on the transfer list as the Raphinha transfer snub confirmed just this. Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar were two alternative options but for different reasons, neither seem like coming to any fruition this summer.
Meaning a move more towards the September deadline could be on the cards for Hazard, especially if Chelsea were to run out of options. Perhaps Boehly being present at the LA Dodgers' latest game against the San Francisco Giants alongside Real Madrid president Florentino Perez could have allowed the pair the opportunity to discuss just this.
This is what a lot of Chelsea fans believe although some are worried that both owners may have discussed topics like Reece James' future together with Real Madrid a keen admirer of the Three Lions international. Others are worried that Perez could be bending Boehly's ear to try and convince him on a new European Super League (ESL) project.
Here is some of the best reaction from CFC Twitter.
@Tuchelister said in relation to Hazard: 'He’s coming backkk'
@chelseaktbffh83 similarly put: 'Haaaazaaaard is coming back.'
@cfcnatan simply wrote: 'Hazarddddddd.'
@OjebolaAdedapo demanded: 'He better come back with Hazard.'
On the other side of the coin, @CFCTitus worries: 'Might try and convince him about the ESL.'
@csgo_bar said: 'Oh god not the Super League again.'
Alternatively, @MilanCFC2002 like many others reckon this could mean: 'Bye Reece James.'
Chelsea fans- What do you reckon was the topic of conversation between Todd Boehly and Florentino Perez? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
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