In a surprising twist of contractual fortune, Chelsea Football Club is set to receive a £5 million bonus from Eden Hazard’s blockbuster transfer to Real Madrid back in 2019. This unexpected windfall comes despite the Belgian superstar’s retirement from professional football last year.
Hazard’s transfer to Madrid was initially pegged at £88 million, with the potential to rise to £150 million based on performance-related add-ons. Remarkably, £130 million of this sum has already been realized. The additional £5 million is due to a specific clause that remains active until the end of what would have been Hazard’s five-year contract with Madrid.
The clause was triggered by Real Madrid’s qualification for the Champions League final, as reported by The Telegraph. This news comes as a boon for Chelsea, adding a significant sum to their coffers.
Hazard’s tenure at Madrid was marked by a stark decline in form compared to his stellar performances at Chelsea. Over four seasons with Madrid, Hazard appeared in 76 games, scoring a mere seven goals and providing 12 assists. This downturn was a far cry from his last season at Stamford Bridge, where he boasted 21 goals and 17 assists.
Despite his struggles at Madrid, Hazard’s legacy at Chelsea remains untarnished. During his seven-year stint with the Blues, he secured two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, an FA Cup, and an EFL Cup. His prowess also earned him three top-10 finishes in the Ballon d’Or rankings, peaking at seventh place in 2018.
Hazard’s retirement announcement in October was a heartfelt reflection on his career. He expressed gratitude to his former clubs, managers, coaches, teammates, and fans for their support throughout his journey. Now, as he prepares for a return to Stamford Bridge for Soccer Aid on June 9, Chelsea celebrates not only his legacy but also the unexpected financial bonus that his historic move has continued to yield.
