Keeping Eden Hazard For Another Season is an Option Chelsea Must Consider

Unplayable

The run that saw Hazard dribble through the entire Hammers defence, before firing The Blues into a half-time lead was football at its most beautiful. The goal brought back memories of a similar goal he scored against Arsenal in 2016.

The 28-year-old is unplayable in that mood. Some fans will argue there has been an air of inconsistency to his Chelsea career. No more so than 2015/16 when the Blues struggled it was evident to see that Eden Hazard was low in confidence and his time at Stamford Bridge looked to be coming to an end as rival clubs circled with rumours of a move away becoming rife.

This season has seen the diminutive Belgian perform to the best of his abilities. 16 goals and 12 assists is his best yet for a season. There’s still plenty of football to be played for him to improve those statistics further.

Replaceable?

Replacing a talent like Hazard looks impossible. Although the emergence of Callum Hudson-Odoi and the signing of Christian Pulisic will soften the blow. Losing such quality and experience would be a bitter pill to swallow for many Chelsea fans.

The La Liga giants are keen to add Hazard to their ranks this summer. The return of Zinedine Zidane to the Bernabeu has Madrid fans excited to a return to the glory that saw them win three successive Champions League titles. The Frenchman is a huge fan of Eden Hazard, and will seemingly stop at nothing to get his man.

To Stay or Not to Stay?

Chelsea will need to offer Hazard everything to hold onto his services. However, it is possible the Blues will consider letting the £32 million signing run down his contract.

In a day and age when money plays a huge part in the beautiful game, Chelsea are unlikely to do so. But would it really be that bad an idea if it was to guarantee Hazard stayed for another year?… A lot could change in 12-months, and the Blues would have an extended chance to persuade the Belgian to stay at Stamford Bridge.

It would be a huge gamble. However, The Blues have certainly had their money’s worth during the seven years he has been at the club.

Another consideration is the Blues’ two-window transfer ban. The judgement is under appeal. However, if it is upheld, it may play a part in Chelsea’s decision making. Not having the ability to sign a replacement could yet see the west London club consider Hazard too important to let go.

For now, Chelsea will continue to enjoy the many attributes the winger has to offer. A top-four finish looks more likely than it has for most of the season. Signing off with Europa League glory would be a fitting end to Eden Hazard’s career at Chelsea.