When the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and Amanda Staveley arrived at Newcastle, we expected some outlandish rumours to emerge.
As this stage of the takeover, there have been few stories more crazy than the Magpies taking an interest in Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard.
What’s the story?
Well, according to ESPN, Newcastle are keen to sign the ex-Chelsea man.
The Magpies have been sounded out over their interest in the 30-year-old, who joined Real Madrid in a deal worth £130m back in June 2019.
Things have turned sour for the 115-cap Belgium international in Madrid, with Carlo Ancelotti leaving him on the bench in recent weeks.
If Newcastle do sign Hazard, Gary Lineker may be in favour of the move, as he once waxed lyrical about the former Lille man on Twitter.
ESPN add that Chelsea have also been contacted about potentially re-signing the 2014/15 PFA Player of the Year.
Should Newcastle sign Eden Hazard?
In our view, Newcastle would be taking a huge risk in signing Hazard.
Since his move to Real Madrid, the two-time Premier League champion has fizzled out significantly.
In 52 appearances for Los Blancos, Hazard has scored just five goals.
It has been bizarre to watch him struggle at the Santiago Bernabeu, as he was arguably in the top five players on the planet while at Chelsea.
Now, Hazard looks a shadow on his former self.
Newcastle can take encouragement from the fact he scored 85 Premier League goals – perhaps he is better suited to English football.
Nevertheless, it would be a huge risk either way.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
