Real Madrid has successfully agreed to sign Chelsea winger and Belgium captain Eden Hazard in a transfer deal that is reported to cost the Spanish club in excess of £88 million, with potential add-ons pushing the final fee to or above £100 million.
The deal comes after Hazard, who had only one year remaining on his contract, consistently expressed his desire to move to the Spanish capital, a wish reciprocated by long-time admirer and Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane.
Chelsea had previously rejected an approach for the star last summer, but after his stellar 2018/19 season – which included scoring twice and assisting once in the Europa League Final win over Arsenal—Hazard confirmed his intent to leave.
Chelsea had reportedly held out for a fee near £130 million, partly due to Hazard’s importance and the club’s impending two-window transfer ban, which would prevent them from signing a replacement. The deal was expected to be officially confirmed within hours, followed by the player’s medical and unveiling in Madrid.
