Real Madrid are open to selling Eden Hazard in the coming days, as the Galacticos fear the Newcastle United transfer target sparking a ‘complicated’ environment within the squad.
That’s according to Marca, who report Los Blancos have opened the door for a winter exit as Carlo Ancelotti does not count on the Belgian. It is now practically impossible for Hazard to earn the minutes the winger desires by staying at the Santiago Bernabeu.
His situation is neither convenient for the La Liga table-toppers or former Chelsea forward. Ancelotti has awarded the 31-year-old just 16 appearances, starting eight, for 722-minutes in all competitions so far this season. Hazard is also yet to score and only has two assists.
Hazard’s status as Ancelotti’s at-best fourth-choice option was clear as day in Real Madrid’s Supercopa ties last week. The 116-cap winger did not feature at all against Barcelona in the semi-final or Athletic Bilbao in the final. His celebrations of the title were also very lowkey.
Ancelotti is likely to now start Hazard at Elche in the Copa del Rey on Thursday with Marco Asensio injured. But the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero tie could be his final for the club.
Real Madrid can offer Newcastle greater confidence of Hazard transfer
Real Madrid accept Hazard’s situation is far from ideal, so are open to selling the reported Newcastle transfer target. He has not caused any difficulties in the dressing room yet. But Los Blancos fear Ancelotti’s ongoing stance could cause complications later in the season.
The Galacticos’ position will offer the Toon greater confidence of striking a deal in January. Sport reported in November that Newcastle were optimistic of agreeing Hazard’s transfer from Real Madrid. The Saudi Public Investment Fund were also driving the Toon’s pursuit.
PIF want a Galacticos-esque addition to spearhead their fight for Premier League survival. The Toon sit 19th in the table after 20 games after Saturday’s draw with relegation rivals Watford. Eddie Howe’s side have still only won once all season after dropping two-points.
Signing Hazard from Real Madrid would offer PIF the elite-calibre transfer they want to see Newcastle land in January. He left Chelsea for Spain in 2019 for £89m, in a deal featuring at least a further £60m in add-ons. He also penned a £416k-a-week contract, expiring in 2024.
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