When Eden Hazard might make his second Chelsea debut amidst considering a return
Four years after leaving Chelsea to join Real Madrid and becoming a free agent in the summer, former Chelsea star Eden Hazard has been linked with a return to Stamford Bridge.
Later this month, Eden Hazard, a former star for Chelsea, will return to the game. But not in the way that most people had anticipated. The 32-year-old rose to fame during his time at Stamford Bridge. He was previously thought to be among the finest in the world, was once considered as one of the best.
Eden Hazard cemented his legacy at the club by contributing 92 assists and 110 goals in 352 games for the Blues. After leaving LOSC Lille, Hazard spent seven years in west London where he won two Premier Leagues, two Europa Leagues, an FA Cup, and an EFL Cup.
There was a lot of grief around his departure for Real Madrid in 2019. He was nothing less than the star player. That’s in spite of the £88 million cost paid for a star who eventually was entering a challenging stage of his career, as would be revealed later.
Injury problems hampered Hazard’s stay at the Santiago Bernabeu. His contract was terminated this summer as a result of declining minutes. It indicates that the winger is now a free agent and is eligible for free transfer. However, teams have not yet done so.
IF EDEN HAZARD RETURNS TO STAMFORD BRIDGE IT WILL ONLY BE IN JANUARY
Due to the fact that he was once a club legend, it has generated a lot of conversation and rumours about a potential return to Chelsea in the upcoming weeks. But things are still up in the air. Although, Eden Hazard will shortly make some sort of return to football as he will play in a charity game later this month.
In the short term, it may make it more difficult for him to sign any deals. But in the long run, there might still be a place for him. The wait to see the great player on the pitch donning the fabled blue shirt may be somewhat longer if Stamford Bridge serves as the venue once more.
Due to limits on squad registration, teams have to submit their 25-player roster by the middle of September. They cannot make any changes beyond that point. Although Under-21s are exempt, it prevents the inclusion of new hires, necessitating a delay until the next open slot.
If Eden Hazard were to return, there would be a few months to wait as that would be in January. As in January, the transfer market reopens for the second half of the season. In any agreement, he would just miss making his debut on December 30 against Luton Town.
Since the first game of the new year, on January 6, is the third round proper of the FA Cup, there may be a welcome return. A hearty welcome would be extended if the Premier League were to return on January 13 against Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
Eden Hazard hasn’t ruled out either extending his playing career or retiring, though it’s still unclear whether a comeback is likely.