In a recent report, Voetbal24 has claimed that Manchester City are eyeing a move for Real Madrid winger Eden Hazard. It is believed that Man City have identified the Belgian international as a back-up option if they end up missing out on Lionel Messi at the end of this campaign (via Voetbal24).
Hazard’s Underwhelming Spell In La Liga So Far
Hazard has endured another injury-ravaged season at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium after missing a significant chunk of this campaign due to a serious muscle problem. The La Louviere-born sensation has only made ten appearances for Los Blancos this term, finding the back of the net twice in the process on all fronts.
Despite his injury struggles, the 30-year-old has caught the eye with his performances in Europe where he is averaging 1.3 shots, 0.7 key passes and 3.3 dribbles per game in the UEFA Champions League group stages. He has also interchanged possession immaculately with others around him as he has completed 87.5% of his attempted passes in European football (stats via whoscored).
Since arriving from Chelsea in the summer of 2019, Hazard has failed to live up to the high expectations surrounding his move to Madrid as he has banged in just three goals and provided seven assists in 32 matches for Zinedine Zidane’s side across all competitions.
What Will The Belgian International Bring To The Table?
Hazard can use his pace, agility and ball-control to wiggle his way out of tight situations in the opposition half and can score his fair share of goals when he is playing regularly for his team. He has also got the vision to carve open the opponent’s defence with a killer pass on the offensive end of the pitch.
The 106-time Belgian international can retain possession quite well and is proficient at earning fouls deep in and around the opposition penalty box. However, Hazard’s poor injury record at Madrid has raised some question marks over his long-term worth, so Man City would be taking a gamble if they decide to bring him back to the Premier League at the end of this season.
Will Hazard Be A Dream Signing For Man City?
At the moment, the Belgian star is not playing his best football. Still, if he can get a regular run of games under his belt for Los Blancos in the second half of this campaign, then he might be able to find some form and reinvent himself at the highest level.
There is no denying that Hazard will be a blockbuster, marquee acquisition for Man City boss Pep Guardiola if he is willing to take a calculated gamble on the player next summer. If the Madrid underperformer can find a way to re-establish himself as a top performer in La Liga, then he could very well turn out to be a dream signing for the Mancunian giants before the start of next season.
