Chelsea legend Eden Hazard could be allowed to seal a return to Stamford Bridge in the summer, with Real Madrid reportedly deciding to let the Belgian winger leave on loan for the 2022-23 campaign.
Hazard left Chelsea for Madrid in the summer of 2019 for just over £100 million but has struggled with fitness and form in the Spanish capital. To make matters worse, a recent fibula injury looks set to keep the 31-year-old sidelined for the rest of the season, meaning he will miss the upcoming clash with his former club in the Champions League.
This season has seen Hazard make just 17 La Liga appearances and provide just one assist. Despite the disappointing numbers, however, there remains a desire among many fans at Stamford Bridge to see him return, even if his sharpness has faded significantly since his final campaign with Chelsea.
It is a move that Hazard himself would be open to, according to reports. Back in February, MARCA's Jose Felix Diaz, via Madrid Xtra, reported that the player would be keen on a return to the club where he became one of the best in Europe. Newcastle United are also said to be interested in the winger.
Hazard scored 110 goals and provided a further 92 assists for the Blues in seven years, helping them to two Premier League titles and two European League crowns, as well as FA Cup and Carabao Cup triumphs. It now appears that a move back to the west London club could be on the cards.
In a report from Marca, via Metro, it is claimed that Madrid are now willing to let Hazard leave on loan during the 2022-23 campaign. Earning £15 million a year, he is one of the club's highest earners and the Spanish giants are even willing to pay half of his wages in order to cut down the expenditure next term.
Any move will depend on who wins the race to become Chelsea's owners. There is less than a week for the four bidders to submit their final offers with a preference set to be selected the week beginning April 18. As things stand, Chelsea are unable to negotiate transfers or contracts of any type due to the licence they are operating under after the UK Government placed sanctions on Roman Abramovich, so getting a new owner in place as soon as possible will be seen as a priority.
