Real Madrid president Florentino Perez reportedly still believes in winger Eden Hazard and is willing to hand the former Chelsea star 'another chance' at the Santiago Bernabeu. That's according to Spanish news outlet SPORT, who are reporting that Perez is willing to hand the Belgian another opportunity should the club not sign Erling Haaland.
Hazard has recently been linked with a sensational return to Chelsea after leaving the west London club for Madrid in the summer of 2018 for over £100million. Ever since he moved to the Bernabeu, it has not worked out for the 31-year-old, largely down to constant injury problems.
The inevitable links with a sensational return to Chelsea have of course been present. According to a report from GOAL last month, the Blues were ready to explore the idea of re-signing Hazard before owner Roman Abramovich had sanctions imposed on him by the UK government.
READ MORE: Eden Hazard to Chelsea transfer: AC Milan decision, Real Madrid stance, Newcastle United deal
However, with just over two years remaining on his contract in the Spanish capital, he is now reportedly set to be handed another, but his 'last chance' by president Perez. This, though, depends on whether Los Blancos complete the signing of Haaland in the summer.
Haaland is largely expected to leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season, with a queue of European clubs interested in the highly sought-after Norwegian striker. Madrid are one of the favourites to sign him and offloading Hazard could be integral in affording the expensive Dortmund attacker.
As mentioned above, Hazard has struggled with injury problems in his almost-four years at Real Madrid. The Belgium international underwent surgery on Tuesday for 'the removal of an osteosynthesis plate in his right fibula'.
Perez apparently accompanied Hazard during the procedure and expressed his support and told him of his faith in the winger. The report adds that Hazard 'is not in favour' of leaving the Bernabeu this summer.
That supports comments from his younger brother, Kylian, last month, who told Het Laatste Nieuws, reported via Mundo Deportivo, that his older sibling has no plans on forcing through an exit from Los Blancos at the end of the season. "Eden is fine where he is and his family feels good there," Kylian said.
"He has a contract until 2024 and I think he will stay until then. Maybe Eden is playing a little less now and the team is functioning without him, but everyone knows how good he is. He has to show he is a good substitute."
