What could happen at Chelsea if Eden Hazard decides to stay

Chelsea may end up with Eden Hazard remaining at Stamford Bridge. What could happen if that becomes the case going forward?

This has been a weird week in regards to Eden Hazard. Early on, it became public that he “had made his decision” with many expecting that to mean he had decided on Real Madrid (provided they come in for him).

But Chelsea social media this week has been having a bit of a love in with Hazard. And some posts have been read by fans as hinting towards a new contract. Why a new contract would not have already been signed if that is what Hazard decided is unknown and a major flaw in that theory. But the social media activity does hint at the possibility of Hazard staying.

So what will happen to Chelsea if Hazard opts to stay? What are the knock down effects? And what if there is an asterisk on his staying?

Well first of all, Chelsea will likely offload a winger next season. And as of right now, it appears as though Callum Hudson-Odoi would be the most likely. He already pushed for a move to Bayern Munich because he saw no path to first team minutes under Maurizio Sarri. And if Hazard stays, that path will become even harder to see as Christian Pulisic arrives for a fee hefty enough to hint at a starting role.

The next most likely is probably Willian who is the oldest winger with the shortest contract. Chelsea could extend his contract yet or they could look to cash in while they have one more chance. Willian has attracted interest by big clubs in recent windows so it would not be totally unexpected to see him in another shirt next season. Whether or not Hudson-Odoi would stay if Hazard, Pedro, and Pulisic are his competition is unknown.

For the management, the question of how to get the best out of Hazard will remain. Hazard himself admits his limitations as a player and Chelsea has performed at its best when the system has covered Hazard’s limitations. Sarri has struggled to do the same while keeping his overall system in place.

So if Hazard remains and Sarri is still manager, there will need to be adjustments to get the best out of Hazard. Total freedom is not the answer (just ask Antonio Conte) but neither is overburdening him (talk to Jose Mourinho). Few players can get away with doing their own thing as much as Hazard, but Hazard is good enough to be given a lot of leeway tactically. If Sarri (or whoever is manager next season because this is Chelsea) can compromise a bit to free up Hazard, the relationship will remain beneficial.

Also, if Hazard stays there are like a few pathways to which it will happen. The first is he simply stays until his contract ends at the end of next season. The second is he extends, but with a clause that Chelsea has to accept a certain bid by Real Madrid. The third is that he extends with no stipulations.

If the third option happens, then Hazard will likely get a long term contract that he intends to see out in Blue. Whether by his choice or not, he will become one of the oldest, most talented, and most experienced players in the locker room. He will have to step up as a leader in whatever form that may take. He will need to take young players like Pulisic and Hudson-Odoi under his wing and help them solve problems they have not even had yet. This is a burden that Hazard cannot neglect.

Much can happen if Hazard opts to stay. It is by no means a guarantee but it is at least a possibility. The biggest negative that could come about is the loss of Hudson-Odoi but Hazard can outweigh that himself. Compromises will need to be made (as they would if he were to leave) but Hazard remaining would set him on the path towards legendary status.