He is already known to followers of Ligue 1, or Belgians, whilst most supporters who follow the game are aware of his talents. But to the football fan with only the occasional interest in the game, or the one who has no interest in France, Hazard is an unknown.
Last year he was France’s Player of the Year, and at 21 years of age, that is some feat. He was crucial as Lille won the French league for the first time in 40 years. Hazard was the creative force, swerving this way and that with his fine control and artistry allied to his ability to thread a pass through the eye of the needle for Moussa Sow. Sow has now gone but Hazard continues to shine. And he is pretty useful when it comes to scoring himself; just ask Marseille, whose defeat in the title race last year had as much to do with an incredible long range goal at the Stade Velodrome last season as anything else. It was a game in which Lille won 2-1 and it swung the momentum away from Marseille, who had been on a great run, and towards Lille.
So, he’s a top talent. But where will he end up next season? He has already said he will leave Rudi Garcia’s men, and has been linked with most of Europe’s giants.
1. Real Madrid
Madrid have been widely linked with Hazard, with Zinedine Zidane urging Jose Mourinho to sign him. With Mourinho probably off in the summer Zidane may have more luck with his successor. Arsene Wenger is a known admirer and it isn’t off the cards that he could come to the Bernabeu. If that happens, Hazard to the Spanish capital just got more likely. The Belgian is thought to only be countenancing a move to Spain and Madrid seem the most likely destination.
Probability: 9/10
2. Barcelona
Barcelona will always be interested in a player of Hazard’s quality but where would he fit? Cesc Fabregas, Thiago Alcantara, Xavi, Andres Iniesta…the list is long. And Barcelona’s big money move seems more likely to be for Santos wonder Neymar. Hazard would certainly be interested in a move but it may not be the most likely option.
Probability: 7/10
3. Arsenal
Arsenal boss Wenger is a keen admirer of Hazard and would love to sign him. But Arsenal are unlikely to be able to compete with Real Madrid in the transfer market and Wenger usually doesn’t spend big. He may go for Mario Gotze instead, though if Arsenal don’t qualify for the Champions League he may have trouble attracting either. But Arsenal riled Lille in the summer when signing Park Chu Young just as Garcia’s side were about to, and relations are not great. That will put them at a serious disadvantage if Hazard does opt to move to England.
Probability: 4/10
4. Tottenham
This week Hazard was widely quoted as saying that he could move to Tottenham. Those words seem to indicate that they are his preferred option if he does move to England, with Champions League qualification looking likely. But what was not reported was that Hazard went on to say that Spain was more his style. Real Madrid or Barcelona would be the teams and both are thought to be interested.
Probability? 5/10
5. Chelsea
Chelsea need a creative midfielder and Hazard would suit them perfectly. They need to bring in a player of his class but if they are not in the Champions League, Hazard would not be likely to join. And even if they are, he seems more intent on Tottenham, as Chelsea would likely beat Arsenal to it if they finish in the top four. And if they don’t Andre Villas Boas is likely to leave, requiring a new manager, more expense and therefore less money to spend on players with UEFA financial fair play lurking.
Probability? 2/10
