The Hazard conundrum

Eden Hazard is probably the most exciting player to look forward to in the next decade along with the likes of Neymar and co. The Belgian has been in scintillating form for LOSC Lille for the past three seasons, and has won acclaim from the most respected minds in football. It is obvious for a player of his quality to be courted by the best clubs in Europe.

Hazard was first linked to the recently fallen giants, Inter Milan and Liverpool. Liverpool were in the driving seat to sign Hazard two years ago, but missed out after the player signed a new contract and claimed he was “too young ” to move to the premier league. Eden Hazard claimed last summer that he was flattered by Inter Milan as they were the defending champions of Europe then. The progress from a club with an elite history, to a club with modern winning ambitions clearly proved Hazard’s intentions for future glory. But Inter Milan and Liverpool took the wrong road to progress in the future, leaving them way behind the new suitors.

Arsenal and Real Madrid were the next suitors for Hazard. It was reported by Daily Mail that Hazard was very close to joining the Gunners, after he reportedly told a Belgian local radio that he wanted Arsenal to come at him. Real Madrid were also interested, but Jose Mourinho’s repeated claims that his squad was full kept the media guessing. Moreover, Real Madrid are beginning to build a stable side, something which would drastically change with Hazard’s arrival.

Tottenham Hotspur have ambitiously proclaimed that they would break their bank to sign Hazard. Harry Redknapp had reportedly even spoken to Hazard’s agent about a possible move. Everything was fine for Tottenham till Manchester City barged in. Manchester City were in a good position in the Premier League race, and could easily afford the sky-high transfer fee of the upcoming star . Roberto Mancini’s target for next year is to mount a challenge on Europe, and he needs a player like Hazard.

Soon, Manchester United entered the fray. Manchester United and Manchester City clearly flattered Eden Hazard. Hazard announced at the end of this season, that he would leave France and wear ” blue” for the next season. Many pundits concluded that this was his indication of a potential move to the Etihad, until Hazard told a local Belgian newspaper that Manchester United was the most attractive option.

It was clear that Hazard had not made up his mind about his future destination. However, the Premier League has been confirmed as his next destination by his agent. The Manchester clubs were leading the race, until a London side won the UEFA Champions League. English tabloids were full of comments from Hazard. Hazard admitted that he was tempted to join Chelsea after their European triumph.

Eden Hazard and Neymar are clearly the biggest young names of football. While Neymar is keeping himself away from transfer speculation, and concentrating on his career, Hazard is playing cat and mouse with the big clubs. Hazard, in all fairness, is behaving like a child. He found the lollipop attractive first. He then saw the chocolate and beamed. And then he saw the balloons and quickly forgot about the chocolate. But unlike a child, Hazard has not made his final choice clear. He needs to do this as quickly as possible.

Hazard recently expressed his decision will be based solely on playing time. Could this mean Manchester City are not in his plans? It is clear that Manchester United and Chelsea would whole-heartedly give him a starting spot.

Before you make up your mind that it is between Chelsea and Man Utd, Eden Hazard has recently claimed that Manchester City are a future super-power. He confuses us all like, he confuses the opposition in the French Ligue.