As the January transfer window approaches, news on Eden Hazard new contract has effectively stalled. There is a growing sense that this is the end.
Chelsea’s board is in full blown contract renewal mode. Just this season, Pedro, Marcos Alonso, N’Golo Kante, Ethan Ampadu, and Cesar Azpilicueta have all extended their stays at Chelsea. Others, such as David Luiz and Cesc Fabregas, are desired by Maurizio Sarri. But the big one is missing.
It is no secret that fans and the club itself want nothing more than for Eden Hazard to extend his stay at Chelsea. The Belgian winger is one of the world’s best players and, if he stays, would easily go down as a Chelsea legend. But Hazard staying is feeling less and less likely.
At almost every turn, Hazard is asked about an extension. And almost every time, he gives a variant of the same response. He feels good at Chelsea. He will not commit to anything at the moment. Real Madrid is a big club. Continue on repeat.
Sarri is asked the same, giving his own variant of the same response. Hazard is important to the club. The club is in constant contact with him. Sarri would like him to say. Hit rewind and play it again.
But the longer this saga goes on with the same response, the more it feels like this is coming to a head. If the club is really in contact with Hazard weekly, and the responses from all parties are still the same cookie cutter replies, then it feels like everyone is just going through the motions.
The narrative of some journalists is also beginning to shift. Suddenly a goal drought is seen as Real Madrid being a distraction rather than it being injury related. And if the narrative of the media is shifting like that, it implies that this is heading one direction over another.
Furthermore, some transfer rumors for January are being tied to Hazard’s future. Depending on the source, every rumor has some fire for all its smoke. So if some rumors are saying Chelsea is considering this player or that as a Hazard replacement, there is probably something to it.
As January approaches, the reality will become more clear. Chelsea’s actions in the window, as well as Real Madrid’s, will be telling. If the club, Sarri, and Hazard keep replying in the same total noncommittal way, it will be telling. The growing sense that this is the end of Hazard in Blue is growing every single day.
Hazard may or may not go down as a Chelsea legend if he leaves at the end of the season. Only time will really be able to tell that or not. But it may be important to cherish the days where he truly comes alive this season. He may be in a bit of a rut now, but that will end in time as it always does. Next season, it may not be a concern for Chelsea fans at all. The club is bracing and it might be time for the rest of those associated with Chelsea to do the same.