Real Madrid are desperate to get rid of Hazard this summer – the latest report in the Spanish media suggests AC Milan could be the answer to their prayers. Milan directors Paulo Maldini and Frederick Massara will reportedly sit down with Real Madrid executives in the coming weeks to discuss the transfer market. The main topic on the agenda will be the future of Brahim Diaz. The Real Madrid-owned attacking midfielder has been on loan for the past two years in San Siro and will spend the next season there as well. Milan have the right to buy him permanently for 22 million euros, although Real Madrid also have a buy-back clause of 25 million euros. The Rossoneri wanted to lower the price, which would be the main topic of discussion. But Spanish media also claimed that during the talks, Maldini would ask about the possibility of signing a contract with Hazard.
In the summer of 2019, Eden Hazard signed with Real Madrid for €100 million from Chelsea, when he was considered one of the best players in the world. However, his two and a half seasons in the Spanish capital were simply a disaster as he has been plagued by injury problems and poor form. Since joining, the 31-year-old has been injured 15 times and missed more than 60 games due to physical problems. In 65 games for the Galacticos, Hazard has scored just six goals and assisted eight times. This season, the Belgian's situation has gotten worse as he has started just nine games in all competitions, scored one goal and provided two assists. This poor form and health is one of the four reasons we are unlikely to see Hazard join Milan this summer. The second reason is Hazard's age. Milan have a clear project that revolves around young, promising players who the club can develop. Milan have occasionally strayed from that philosophy because of Ibrahimovic's return and Giroud's free transfer. But these are the exceptions due to the lack of top strikers. In contrast, there is no shortage of young wingers.
The third reason is related to the second, mainly Hazard's salary. Milan have slashed costs over the past few years as their former Chinese bosses owe huge debts. The Rossoneri's salary cap means they refuse to offer Frank Casey an annual salary of more than €6 million during contract renegotiation this season. Casey then agreed to join Barcelona. Hazard's annual income in Madrid is 26 million euros. Even if Real Madrid pays 75 percent of its salary, Milan will still not agree to pay an older, poorly formed, vulnerable 31-year-old 6.5 million euros a year. They are also unlikely to be willing to pay any transfer fees, and their main targets this summer are a centre-back (Lille's Botman) and a midfielder (Lille's Renato Sanchez).
This brings us well to the fourth and final reason: Milan don't need to take risks. Thanks to Leo's presence, they already have one of the most exciting young left-wing players in world football. Hazard cannot shake Leo's current position and the Belgian will not be his replacement. There may be a vacancy on the right wing at 4-2-3-1, but that's not the area where Hazard played best at his peak, let alone now. So by all accounts, don't expect Hazard to join Milan this summer.