Stevie Nicol has stated that Newcastle transfer target Eden Hazard’s transfer to Real Madrid has been ‘horrendous’ for the player, as he told ESPN.
The TV pundit compared Hazard to his former Anfield teammate, John Barnes, and how he can’t adapt like the England flyer used to.
Ever since Hazard swapped Chelsea colours for those at Real Madrid, he has been hit by more injuries than goal contributions, and when he has been on the field of play, he has looked like the shadow of the player that used to rip it up in the Premier League.
The 31-year-old could depart the Bernabeu this summer, with the big pockets of Newcastle seemingly looking to bring him back to England’s top flight.
Whether that happens remains to be seen, as Nicol reacted to how things are fairing for Hazard in La Liga.
“It must be horrible being Hazard though,” said Nicol. “Unfortunately for him, it looks like he can’t adapt and play somewhere else.
“You look at Barnsey (John Barnes). At his best, he was the best player in England. Not even close. Then, he did his achilles and he couldn’t do what he used to do.
“But, he adapted, came inside and showed what a great football player he is and not just someone who had pace and would go past people for fun.
“If Eden Hazard is in the same position, I am assuming this guy’s not going to be feeling very good about himself when he can’t do what he used to be able to do. It’s turned out to be a horrendous transfer to Real Madrid.”
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Hazard turned 31 in January, so it’s not like the injury-hit player is at the peak of his powers.
The two-time Premier League winner can look at someone like Philippe Coutinho and how he has transformed his game since joining Aston Villa, after his horror show in Barcelona.
But would a team like Newcastle be willing to put money on the table for Hazard, in his current situation and knowing that he would be on big wages?
Whilst he would be that big-name signing they are looking for, and they have the money to bring him in, the Magpies are better off looking elsewhere.
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