Having bid adieu to Lille with a hat-trick in his final game, Eden Hazard is now looking ahead to the first major transfer of his fledgling career.
The Belgian is one of this summer’s hottest properties having been linked with a host of Europe’s top sides but has his flirtation with different clubs shown a side to him that fans won’t appreciate?
Speculation over his future has been unstoppable ever since Hazard confirmed on twitter he would be leaving the former French champions.
“Two games more to play in the colours of LOSC [Lille] …Sniff,”
Plenty of gossip soon followed but despite his apparent sadness, Hazard appeared to quash rumours when he told goal.com where he would be plying his trade next season.
“Manchester, as I have already said. The decision will be taken soon.”
It would appear the Belgian already knew his destination but surely it was a bit presumptuous to announce the city he’d be playing in before deciding which team he’d rather play for?
Media advancements have allowed players to publicise details about their lives but there has to be some guidelines to separate gossip from genuine business deals otherwise how do readers know what to believe?
Hazard’s comments were put into context when he spoke with Canal+ last weekend.
“As long as I’ve not put pen to paper, I won’t say where I’m going.
“Chelsea makes you hesitate. They’ve won the Champions League and they’ll be in it next season.
“For now, nothings been decided, but it will be soon.”
It would seem fair that Chelsea are more attractive now they’re European Champions and Hazard wants to keep his options open. Still, given his sudden change of heart, how are fans meant to believe a word he says?
Will this make him a less attractive proposition to prospective buyers?
Hazard showed last Sunday how talented he truly is. Signing off with three goals against AS Nancy took his league tally to 20 for the season. Add to that 15 assists and its clear why so many big sides are chasing his signature.
As Ligue 1 player of the season he has undoubted ability but his skill is currently being overshadowed by his outspoken personality.
Lille boss Rudi Garcia told RMC that the Belgian was still undecided.
“He still doesn’t know where he’s going. In the last few weeks he’s changed his mind, I believe,”
Some say Hazard’s actions show how irratic he is but until a transfer is confirmed, surely it’s inevitable that he’ll appear to be teasing all the interested parties?
Wouldn’t every 21 year old enjoy being coveted by the world’s greatest teams? After all this is Hazard’s first big career move and he certainly has options. As well as the English clubs mentioned he’s supposedly being tracked by Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Lille managing director Frederic Paquet told Sky Sports News HD that ‘four teams’ are challenging for Hazard’s signature.
“I am not sure he knows [who he will sign for] himself where he will go, so for the moment, we don’t know.
“From my knowledge he has four teams interested in buying him.
“It is not up to us to tell to him [where to go].
“We are waiting for him to make a choice between these four teams.”
Certainly Hazard has a big decision to make but who does he genuinely see his future with?
It would be unfair to criticise the youngster for assessing his options but his tendency to make grand announcements before a decision has been made has left him appearing unsure and untrustworthy. Normally it’s the agent’s job to promote their client but in this instance Hazard has been the most vocal.
Social media has given players more contact with fans so it’s only natural that young players like to share their lives with those interested. Unfortunately it becomes rather controversial when discussing official club business so perhaps players need to be more careful when not simply telling the world their daily routine.
Hazard could purely be keeping fans informed and waiting for an opportunity to arise. He’s not completely in control as buyers must first agree a fee with Lille so perhaps he’s being diplomatic and not dismissing any club too soon. Still it would be sensible to avoid criticism and not discuss any transfers until they’ve been completed.
Whether it’s media gossip or his own indecisiveness it certainly shows how easy it is to question a player’s credibility. Whoever he joins he’ll have support from his own fans but it remains to be seen whether he’ll appeal to the neutrals who’ve been frustrated by his public deliberation.
Hazard has the world at his feet but its unclear whether he is motivated by money or ambition. Given the way he’s acted so far this summer, how believable will it be when he kisses his new team’s badge next season?
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