English Premier League side, and Europa League Champions, Chelsea have confirmed that they have reached an agreement with Real Madrid for the transfer of Eden Hazard, as the Belgian departs England after six years in London.
The statement released by the club a few hours ago reads:
“Chelsea Football Club and Real Madrid have reached an agreement for the transfer of Eden Hazard to the Spanish Club.
The move is subject to the 28-year-old completing a medical and signing his contract with Real.
Hazard leaves Chelsea as one of the great players in our history. He helped the team win the Premier League on two occasions, the Europa League twice and the FA Cup and League Cup once. He has been voted Chelsea Player of the Year on a record four occasions.
A shining star throughout the many successes the team achieved, Hazard, played 352 games for the club, the 23rd highest total in our history, and scored 110 goals, the ninth most.
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: ‘Although it is with sadness we say goodbye to Eden and we made it absolutely clear to him the club wished him to stay, we respect the decision he has made to take on a new challenge in a different country and follow his childhood dream of playing for Real Madrid.
‘The memories he leaves us with will not fade. He provided all who watched Chelsea play with great entertainment and many match-winning contributions, and for that, we thank Eden enormously. He has been a model professional throughout his time at the club, a wonderful individual to have around and a joy to work with. We look forward to welcoming him back to Stamford Bridge in the future.’
Chelsea Football Club wishes Eden well as we say a fond goodbye.”
Eden Hazard is moving to Real Madrid for a club record fee that could reach £130 million. The Spanish club will pay £88.5 million up front to secure the Belgium attacker, with the provision for various add-ons based on performances and achievements at the Bernabeu that could earn Chelsea an additional £41.5 million.’
It adds that Chelsea and Real have been negotiating over Hazard for the past week, stating:
‘Chelsea have accepted that Hazard would leave for some time after holding off interest from Real last summer, but were determined to gain a fee in excess of £100 million for their talisman, which they will achieve if he performs well for his new club. Among the various targets that will trigger further payments include appearances and goals, as well as Real winning La Liga and the Champions League while Hazard is at the club.’