The Belgian star continues to flirt with a summer move to the Champions League holders and the Dutch legend knows what they need to do to keep him
Chelsea must secure their place in next season's Champions League if they are to persuade Eden Hazard to reject a move to Real Madrid, former striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says.
The Belgian attacker is rumoured to be one of Madrid's top transfer targets, having been heavily linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu last summer. Hazard, 28, hinted that the Spanish capital was his favoured destination last year after the World Cup and Goal understands he is still hopeful of a big-money move this year.
Hazard said this month that he has reached a decision on his future, but the two-window transfer ban FIFA hit Chelsea with this week could complicate the situation.
The sanction for breaking rules relating to the registration of youth players puts the Stamford Bridge outfit in further turmoil amid the team's recent dip in form.
Although they are competing in Sunday's Carabao Cup final and progressed to the last 16 of the Europa League this week, recent heavy defeats to Manchester City and Bournemouth have put coach Maurizio Sarri's job in jeopardy and saw them slip out of the Premier League's top four.
Ex-Blues star Hasselbaink urged the club to sign Hazard to a long-term deal in the wake of their transfer ban, but he feels they will need to qualify for Europe's top club competition if they are to convince him.
"It'll be difficult for Hazard if Chelsea aren't in the Champions League next season. That's why the game with Tottenham is every bit as vital as the Carabao Cup final, maybe even more," he told The Mirror.
"But sooner or later I think the club will have to shuffle things around anyway to provide a pathway for young players like Callum Hudson-Odoi.
"They have some great young players coming through but if they can't get into the first team they will go to clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool and Spurs who give them a chance."
Hazard has scored 15 times in 34 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea this season and is contracted to the club until 2020.
VishVishwas
1
Chelsea won't even a league Cup or premier league let alone the champions league
Antireal
0
i would already packed hazards bags myself and paid him a taxi to madrid a fkng player like that is never good for a team he thinks he's to much for chelsea ,and truth is he cant do anything that makes a difrence
Mboy_Swag04
2
Hazard is gone Chelsea...
Messigoodbye
3
Madrid would never go for this overrated Belgian
Abdul_Qodri
8
Next joke plz
ointmentae
1
Literally the same thing we've known for years now.
boostero
1
aren't the rumours mostly about Real planning a bid for Neymar? I think Hazard waited too long, he should have moved right when Real sent James on loan to Bayern. He's still really good but Neymar would be a better bet for filling the goals gap Ronaldo left behind.
Superless
3
Chelsea needs a make over. They need to offload the CL winners and promote the younger players. Tammy deserves to be 2nd choice.
makefile
1
Man, I am so happy Chelsea got this transfer ban!
Howord12
1
I would let his contract run out. 100 mío does not buy you a superstar in todays market let alone one of Hazards quality
Chaselike
1
If they don't win anything this season then definitely.
Guevara03
1
I still think it will happen.
professorou
1
He will stay at Chelsea, sign for Madrid or renew and for now, anything is possible.
Suerlers
1
All this blueballing from Hazard to Madrid only to get blueballed himself by Madrid.
Maclaud
1
Not only Hazard even most of the supporters. It hurts to watch other clubs in the champions league
ClementoAmazing
4
It's not like Real Madrid are going to win him some either.
Jicabmortz
3
harzad is one of the players to score more goals and win so he mustnt leave chelsea coz they failed to reach top 4. he must stay.