Chelsea see off rivals to secure £32m Belgium starlet Hazard
CHELSEA last night pulled off a major transfer coup by beating the rest of Europe’s elite to the £32m signing of Lille and Belgium forward Eden Hazard.
Hazard is believed to have agreed a five-year deal worth £100,000 after tax with the Champions League and FA Cup winners and will formally complete his move once he has undergone a medical.
The 21-year-old confirmed his long-awaited decision, which followed months of flirting with a host of top clubs, on Twitter last night, saying: “I’m signing for the Champions League winner.”
The playmaker, who can play as a traditional No10 or on either flank, had been tipped to join either Manchester United or Premier League winners Manchester City after declaring England his favoured destination.
But Chelsea’s unexpected Champions League success earlier this month, which secured them a place in next season’s competition, prompted Hazard to reappraise the merits of moving to west London.
His arrival comes despite the club being without a permanent manager – Roberto di Matteo is waiting to learn whether his historic achievements merit a contract – and points to owner Roman Abramovich again driving transfer policy.
Hazard has emerged as one of the hottest properties on the Continent over the past two seasons and scored a hat-trick in his final appearance for Lille last week. That took his tally for the campaign to 20, with 15 assists.
Hazard is expected to give English fans a preview of his costly talents when he plays for Belgium in Saturday’s friendly at Wembley.
Chelsea’s next target is thought likely to be a forward to replace Didier Drogba, who brought an end to his eight years at Stamford Bridge last week, while Germany winger Marko Marin’s signing has already been sealed.
Blues goalkeeper Petr Cech has signed a new four-year contract, following his penalty heroics in the Champions League final, while £50m striker Fernando Torres has decided to stay after reassurances about his role.