Eden Hazard could follow Lionel Messi to MLS with Vancouver Whitecaps
Eden Hazard could follow Lionel Messi to MLS with Vancouver Whitecaps in the race to sign the ex-Real Madrid star, with teams in Saudi Arabia and Brazil also interested
- The 32-year-old Belgian has pocketed €92.8m (£80m) in his four years in Spain
- Hazard turned down an opportunity to join Inter Miami before Messi joined
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Eden Hazard could follow Lionel Messi to the MLS due to links with a move to the Vancouver White Caps after his release from Real Madrid this summer, ending his four-year, ill-fated spell in Spain’s capital.
The 32-year-old winger, who can also be deployed as an attacking midfielder, is said to be considering three destinations for his next and possibly last challenge of his career, according to AS USA, with the US believed to be his preferred destination ahead of Brazil and Saudi Arabia.
Hazard reportedly turned down an opportunity to join Inter Miami in the past, and the prospect of the former Chelsea star signing for The Herons are nearly impossible after the arrivals of Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
That said, other MLS clubs have looked into signing the player, with the Whitecaps particularly interested in a move. Vancouver currently sits in 7th place in the league’s Western Conference with 31 points.
If Hazard were to move to Canada, then he would have to agree a deal before next month’s roster freeze deadline on September 2.
Eden Hazard’s currently without a club after being released by Real Madrid earlier this summer
The Vancouver Whitecaps lie in seventh place in the MLS’ Western Conference with 31 points
Hazard, who’s a free agent, also caught the eye of Brasilerio Serie A side Botafogo, who are owned by Crystal Palace’s John Textor, who has previously shared his desire to bring the Belgian to South America/
However, the two-time Premier League winner would have to take a pay cut for the deal to happen. Botafogo are 13 points clear of second-place Flamengo, for now.
Hazard has also received an offer from a Saudi Pro League summer, but the player is not necessarily interested in making more money after earning €23.2m (£20m) per season in Madrid.
Crystal Palace’s John Textor, who also owns Botafogo in Brazil, wants Hazard in South America
As a result, he banked €92.8m (£80m) in terms of overall salary before walking away from the club this summer.
Broken down further, Real Madrid paid Hazard around €36m (£31m) per goal.
Hazard is also considering retirement despite only being 32, according to reports, while others claim that the player’s only considering clubs in Europe for his next adventure.
Hazard has yet to publicly reveal what the future holds for him next.
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