Ever since Eden Hazard departed Chelsea for Real Madrid almost three years ago, there has been ever-swirling rumours hinting at a return to Stamford Bridge. It has been reported on many occasions that the Blues would be willing to bring the Belgian playmaker back to west London.
Whilst a switch back has not yet come to fruition, it is certainly a transfer that would be widely popular among the Chelsea fanbase, with Hazard having written his name into club folklore during his first spell. After arriving from Lille, the now 30-year-old went on to score 110 goals in 352 appearances, helping the Blues to two Premier League titles, Europa League crowns, as well as the FA Cup and League Cup.
For a multitude of reasons he has not quite hit the same heights at the Santiago Bernabeu - one of those being a lengthy list of injuries. As a result, Hazard has scored just six goals for the Spanish giants since his move that could see them pay up to £150m for his services.
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That form has seen some question his suitability to the Blues but there are some underlying statistics that suggest that Hazard’s displays this season are not quite as inconsistent as most would suspect. According to Opta, the Belgian has created 3.4 chances per 90 minutes in La Liga this term - a terrific figure.
This sees the former Chelsea man better every player within Europe’s top five leagues to have played more than 500 minutes. It might be suggested then that he is somewhat unfortunate to be sitting at just two assists in all competitions for the campaign.
That aforementioned creativity might be just what Chelsea are missing as they attempt to close the gap to title challengers Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table. Whilst the Blues are sitting on 57 Premier League goals for the season, each of those clubs have found the net with far more regularity.
Jurgen Klopp ’s Reds have struck on 75 occasions, whilst Pep Guardiola ’s City side have 68 goals to their name this term. Hazard, then, could well be the perfect answer to their creativity troubles.
It has already been suggested that the Blues had explored the possibility of re-signing him ahead of the summer only for any move to be scuppered by the sanctions laid down on current owner Roman Abramovich. Whether that stance changes as the club inches towards a takeover remains to be seen.
