It is no secret that Eden Hazard has struggled at Real Madrid since signing from Chelsea. But is he really about to drop down to the Belgium second tier?
The ex-Premier League great has been given an offer by Belgium second division side KVC Westerlo, who are top of the league by ten points and look set to be promoted to the top tier: the Belgian Pro League.
Their sporting director is Hasan Cetinkaya, and his personal relationship with Hazard is the key link in this bizarre transfer rumour.
In an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, Cetinkaya said: "I think I can consider Eden Hazard a friend, as I first met him when he was at Lille. He promised me that one day he would play for Fenerbahçe.
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"To get him to come to KVC Westerlo would be more difficult, but you never know. He might come and finish his career here."
It is certainly a hopeful punt from Cetinkaya. Hazard has continued to represent the Belgium national team during his poor form, but for Real Madrid he has struggled to make starting line-ups under Carlo Ancelotti.
He has 11 appearances for the club in all competitions this season but is yet to find the back of the net.
It is clear that Hazard will need to look for a move away from the Bernabéu at some point.
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He scored 110 goals and provided 92 assists in 352 games for Chelsea, before signing for Real Madrid for an astronomical fee of £103.5m. Since then, the 30-year-old has failed to find the same consistency. In 54 Real Madrid matches, he has a meagre five goals and nine assists.
KVC Westerlo will hope Hazard feels returning home is the best move for him.
Words by Dom Smith.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Eden Hazard, Transfers, Real Madrid
