On June 4, 2012 Chelsea Football Club announced the signing of Eden Hazard from Lille for a reported fee of around £32 million. No one could have imagined the impact he would have on the club. Instrumental in Chelsea’s league, cup successes, Eden Hazard is hailed as one of the best players in the English game with some pundits putting him ahead of his rivals.
Now 28, Hazard looks set to join his dream club Real Madrid in the summer. Now the question is, who replaces him? While some fans believe that it’s an impossible task, we look at some potential signings who could emulate what Hazard has achieved in his Chelsea career.
1. Nicolas Pepe– Perhaps the hottest prospect in Ligue 1 right now, Nicolas Pepe is known for his dribbling, pace and finishing. He likes the ball at his feet and looks comfortable getting past defenders. His direct approach is perhaps what’s attracting the top clubs of Europe. In 26 appearances for Lille so far, he has scored 17 and assisted 11. Pepe can play on the right and as a striker. With clubs like Napoli, Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester United interested, he won’t come cheap. His current contract with Lille is till 2022 and that takes his price higher. He has expressed his desire to join Chelsea in the past. Will Chelsea capitalize? That remains the question.
2. Leon Bailey– The Jamaican winger is a regular starter for Bayern Leverkusen and has been a transfer target for clubs like Bayern Munich and Manchester United. His natural position is on the right wing though he can play on both the flanks as well as a #9. Though he was setting the Bundesliga on fire last season, he hasn’t been able to reach that level yet this time round. Chelsea have been long time admirers of Bailey and could finally sign him in the summer transfer window but face stiff competition from Bayern Munich who are also keen on securing the player’s signature.
3. Lorenzo Insigne– Perhaps the one most suited to Sarriball in our list. The most experienced player in this list wouldn’t be an easy signing by any stretch of imagination. A very versatile forward who can operate on the left as well as through the middle. Now 28, Insigne is perhaps at the peak of his career and if Chelsea want an experienced winger who knows Sarriball, he is their best bet.
4. Philipe Coutinho– Perhaps the most surprising name on the list. If rumors are to be believed, the ex Liverpool man could be the one who replaces Eden Hazard at Chelsea. While some pundits see him as a like for like replacement to Hazard, others believe that he would be more suited in a midfield 3 along with Jorginho and Kante. Reports suggest that he is unsettled at Barcelona and that gives Chelsea an opportunity to get their man in the summer.
5. Richarlison– A 50 million price tag for Richarlison raised many eyebrows. Everton look a different team with him in it. So far in 24 appearances for Everton, he has scored 10 and assisted 1. Should Chelsea look to acquire his signature, they would have to pay significantly north of the 50 million Everton paid for him. But the question is would Chelsea pay that sum for the inexperienced Brazilian?
6. Hirving Lozano– One of the hottest Mexican prospects, Lozano impressed during his 2018 world cup campaign especially during his performance against Germany. Napoli is keen to acquire his signature. Mino Raiola, the player’s agent would look to increase his agent’s price should Chelsea come knocking.
7. Callum Hudson-Odoi– Why look for Hazard’s replacement when we have one right amongst us? That’s the question many Chelsea fans, who think Hudson-Odoi is the one who has the potential to be Chelsea’s main man in the future, are asking. Hudson-Odoi’s direct approach to goal has been lauded by many. Bayern Munich are long time admirers of Callum and reportedly submitted a bid of around 50 million to acquire his signature during the winter transfer window. The Chelsea board had blocked this move in the winter, but have so far failed to bind him to a long term contract.
8. Isco– It is believed that in order to bring the price of Eden Hazard down, Real Madrid could offer Isco in a player plus cash offer. Isco is a truly gifted player; on his day, he can decide games on his own. If reports are to be believed, Isco is unhappy with the lack of regular starts he gets at Real Madrid and would like to secure a move elsewhere. The question that remains is that if Chelsea go on and sign him, will he be able to adjust to the physicality of the Premier League?
Though there are a lot of exciting names on this list, Chelsea fans will definitely hope that Hazard stays at the club. The one thing that the Chelsea board would definitely try to do is to get Eden sign a long term contract.
– Kinjal Bhattacharyya
The Sport Catalogue 