The Sports Headquarters

By Rob Milne

Eden Hazard, the shining young light of Belgian Football, has a monumental decision to make this week which could make or break the winger’s career. The three frontrunners for Hazard’s signature are thought to be the two Manchester giants and newly crowned European champions Chelsea, in many ways this decision has remnants of LeBron James’s decision two years ago. Although unlike James’s situation there is no doubt that Hazard is moving from his current club, Lille in France. The French Ligue 1 is no doubt a well respected league but just like everyone else Hazard knows that if you want to be a world beater you must move to one of the three ‘big leagues’ in Germany, Spain or England.

It seemed as if the deal of Hazard to Man City was done just a week ago, yet speculation still surrounds the player and this week he is believed to have flown into London… suggesting a move to Chelsea is on the cards. Arguably a move to Chelsea would be in Hazard’s best interests, as they have space in their wings for a player of Hazard’s calibre to fill. If Fernando Torres hits form in the coming season the three pronged attack of Torres, Hazard and Mata could be one to be feared across the England and even Europe.  With Hazards speed and crossing ability, Torres’s finishing and Mata’s fluid link up play Chelsea would be a force to be reckoned with.  But a move to Chelsea could be problematic at the current time, as much uncertainty still surrounds the club, especially in the management department. Surely a player would like to know who they will be working under in the coming years before signing for a club.

Manchester City may look like the best ‘financial’ option for Hazard but would it be a good move for his playing career? On one hand Hazard could look at joining Man City as a chance to join a team who are looking to dominate English Premier League proceedings for the foreseeable future and he could become a vital cog in the machine that churns out trophy after trophy. But would Hazard get much playing time at Man City, Hazard is undoubtedly growing into one of the greatest wingers in world football, yet would he be able to get much play time ahead of players such as Samir Nasri and David Silva at this point in his career. The Etihad Stadium is awash with great midfield talent and therefore perhaps If it’s time on the pitch Hazard longs for, well a move to the blue side of Manchester may not be in his best interests.

Finally, a move to the Manchester United to work under Sir Alex Ferguson, sounds like a attractive proposition yes? Well of course it does with the legacy that they have built up over the past 20 years but again will Hazard get much game time at Old Trafford as he would at Stamford Bridge? Man United also possess an array of wing talent such as Luis Nani, Ashley Young and Antonio Valencia, many people will ask whether they need another star winger, whilst others will suggest that United have never replaced Cristiano Ronaldo and therefore Hazard will be a perfect fit for the Red Devils. Only time will tell which team Hazard chooses to make a move to but either way expect an agreement to be made in the next month or two, as Hazard is desperate to make his way to a higher level of Football and establish himself as a world class winger on the world stage.