Real Madrid transfer news: Chelsea’s Eden Hazard rules out January move
Brazil legend Rivaldo urges the Belgium playmaker to leave for the Bernabeu
Hazard is staying put - for now
Eden Hazard has insisted that he will not be moving to Real Madrid in January, despite being urged by World Cup winner Rivaldo to leave Stamford Bridge for the Bernabeu.
The 27-year-old Belgian admitted earlier this week that joining Real had been his “dream” since he was a kid, and refused to rule out a move to the Spanish giants, reports the BBC.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
With his contract expiring in June 2020, there is speculation that Real will try to lure Hazard to Spain next year. But according to the news site, Hazard has now said that there is no chance of him leaving Chelsea in January - though it seems he might still be open to a move at a later date.
Asked if a move to Real might improve his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or, he replied: “That’s why I want to go, maybe.”
A big boost
Meanwhile, Brazil legend Rivaldo says he believes it would be in Hazard’s best interest to join Real Madrid, The Sun reports.
“In my opinion, Hazard could play even better at Real Madrid than in England as Spanish football gives a little more freedom to the players,” said Rivaldo, who won two La Liga titles with Barcelona. “This kind of move could be good for the club and fans, as the arrival of a top player would give a much needed boost after [Cristiano] Ronaldo’s departure.”
Money’s too tight to mention
The Daily Express says that another obstacle in Real’s path is funds, or possible lack of them. The Spaniards are in “a difficult situation when it comes to signing Eden Hazard”, because they may not be able to afford to pay his £300,000-a-week wages.
Real are missing the goals of Ronaldo this season, and Karim Benzema and Mariano Diaz are ploughing a lonely furrow up front.
That means Real’s priority is to sign a proven goal-scoring centre-forward next year, which “could leave them without enough funds to prise Hazard away from Chelsea”, the newspaper concludes.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
How secure are royal palaces?
The Explainer Royal family's safety is back in the spotlight after the latest security breach at Windsor
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Magnificent Tudor castles and stately homes to visit this year
The Week Recommends The return of 'Wolf Hall' has sparked an uptick in visits to Britain's Tudor palaces
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
I'm a Celebrity 2024: 'utterly bereft of new ideas'?
Talking Point Coleen Rooney is the star attraction but latest iteration of reality show is a case of 'rinse and repeat'
By Irenie Forshaw, The Week UK Published
-
Thomas Tuchel to become next England football manager
Speed Read 'Divisive' German coach hopes to lead the men's team to victory
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
The European Super League: a 90th-minute reprieve?
Why everyone's talking about A European court ruling has potentially breathed new life into the breakaway football league
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published