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<\/p>\nIt wasn't long ago Eden Hazard was hailed as a potential Ballon d'Or contender – so why is it the Belgian remains a free agent with less than a week to go in the transfer window?<\/p>\n
Following the termination of his Real Madrid contract at the end of last season, fans across the world would have expected suitors to be lining up with proposals for the former world-beater. After all, Hazard had once sat among the creme de la creme of the sport, a former Premier League Player of the Season who was now readily available on the cheap.<\/p>\n
But even the budget-friendly signing has struggled to find a new club in the wake of a miserable four-year spell at the Bernabeu. Having moved to Madrid from Chelsea in 2019 for a fee not far short of \u00a3100million, Europe's elite have shunned any opportunity to land the former Belgium ace on a free. <\/p>\n
It's not uncommon for certain stars to struggle under the intense media spotlight in Spain, particularly at Real Madrid, where the pressures are higher than almost anywhere else in football. Gareth Bale was subject to the same rigours over his fitness, alleged unwillingness to learn Spanish and golfing habits, though he at least still had his share of highlight-reel moments.<\/p>\n
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But Hazard was bereft of any similar legacy in Spain, leaving La Liga this summer as arguably one of the biggest transfer disappointments in football history given the outlay to get him there in the first place. The 32-year-old collected a Champions League crown, two league titles and one Copa del Rey during his time in Madrid, though his impact in any of those wins was minimal.<\/p>\n
Recurring injuries were the main reason for that fall from prominence, with managers Zinedine Zidane and Carlo Ancelotti struggling to keep faith in his fitness. Hazard was repeatedly sidelined by hamstring, foot, ankle and other muscular issues during his time in Spain, missing a total of 95 games for club and country across the four years, per Transfermarkt.<\/p>\n
What is your highlight from Eden Hazard's football career to date? Let us know in the comments section below.<\/i><\/b><\/b><\/p>\n
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That's equivalent to two full seasons – or half of his stay – by any normal metrics of how much a player can expect to feature per year. And depending on his current condition, it becomes easier to see why teams may feel too great a risk investing in his signature this summer.<\/p>\n
While Hazard's services don't require a transfer fee at present, it's unlikely the player would come cheap in regards to the wage bill. The winger has certainly seen his most valuable contract come and go, though it's uncertain just how far he'd be willing to drop his demands in order to find a new team.<\/p>\n
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Almost two months on from becoming a free agent, Hazard's biggest impact on the summer transfer window so far is FaceTiming compatriot Romeo Lavia after the midfielder joined former employers Chelsea.<\/p>\n
Crystal Palace are the latest team to be linked with a move for the player as Roy Hodgson reportedly looks to bring him back to London. Selhurst Park is a stark fall from the light of the Bernabeu, but the promise of a return to his former Premier League stomping grounds could be the move needed to revive Hazard's best.<\/p>\n
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His free-agent status means Hazard isn't confined to the transfer window deadline in regards to finding fresh employment. However, the chances of clubs concluding further business once September 1 has passed look far slimmer, leaving the Blues legend in a desperate position as his search for a lifeline goes on.<\/p>\n