With one team willing to give the Belgian a career lifeline, Eden Hazard might be returning to the Premier League on a one-year deal shortly.
The former Chelsea winger thrived during his seven seasons in the Premier League, taking home two championships, an FA Cup, and twice the Europa League. Real Madrid paid an initial £89 million to drag Hazard away from Stamford Bridge as one of the best players in the world, and the price might have increased to £150 million with add-ons.
However, the Belgian was plagued by fitness problems throughout his stay in Madrid, which prevented him from reproducing his brilliant Blues form. Hazard and Real agreed to mutually terminate their contract at the end of the 2022–23 season, allowing him to join another team.
Although there have been rumors that he would even retire owing to injury issues, that endeavor has proven to be more challenging than anticipated. A return to the Premier League may potentially be in the cards for the 32-year-old, who has also been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
According to Football Transfers, Hazard has been extended a one-year deal with Crystal Palace on a pay-as-you-play basis.
According to the report, due to Hazard’s business interests and playing skills, both Palace chairman Steve Parish and manager Roy Hodgson are amenable to him joining the team. The agreement would benefit both sides because Hazard would only be paid substantial bonuses if he excelled on the field.
Hazard may also prove to be the ideal stand-in for the Eagles after the loss of Wilfried Zaha in the summer. Even though he probably won’t score as many goals as the Ivorian international, Hazard is a smooth dribbler who will regularly dazzle Selhurst Park spectators.
Matheus Franca, a promising Brazilian who had previously caught Arsenal’s attention, has joined the team, although the 19-year-old will need some time to adjust.
Transfermarkt values Hazard at just over £4m.
