A swap move that might come through this January, a certain Belgian might feature in the star studded line up at Santiago Bernebau.
If reports in Spanish publication Don Balon are to be paid heed to, then there might be a swap deal brewing in the backrooms at Stamford Bridge. Eden Hazard having an unforgettable season this term has finally led Chelsea to a decision that they are ready to let go of the forward. And Real Madrid’s persistent interest in the 24 year old bodes well for the Blues. According to the report instead of a cash deal Chelsea is eyeing a swap deal involving Eden Hazard and James Rodriguez.
The Colombian forward has unfortunately had an injury marred season and his relationship with Rafa Benitez further helps Chelsea’s cause. In total James has played 6 games this season and netted on 3 occasions. And making matters worse for James is that he lies very low in the Benitez pecking order and that has led to limited games time for him this season. With frustration on the high, a move to Chelsea might be a welcome boon for James and even a bigger boon for Chelsea.
Both Hazard and James are valued at around 58 million pounds and Chelsea are immensely inclined towards a swap deal. Though Madrid will not be very keen on such a move, the news from the camps in London tell us that the chiefs believe that if the Los Blancos badly want the Belgian they would have to play by their rules.
If this move comes through, it will be a sensational one. But Madrid are unlikely to let go of and arguably it will be just a matter of time when Rafa Benitez brings back James into the foray (the Villareal game makes a good case for James). As for Eden Hazard, he has to find himself again. From the player of the league to a duck on his personal score sheet, it has been a downward spiralling journey for Hazard and he has to turn it around not just for his sake but for the sake of that team that arguably might not be in the Champions League next season.