The fact that Eden Hazard left Stamford Bridge less than a year ago shows how quickly things can develop in football.
Arguably the most gifted player in Chelsea’s history was about to depart for Real Madrid in a big-money move with the club facing a transfer window without the chance to sign a replacement.
The Belgium international had registered 16 goals and 15 assists during the Premier League’s 2018/19 campaign and his departure was due to signal a major change in how the Blues operated both on and off the pitch.
That it did, with Frank Lampard’s arrival signalling a shift to investing faith in younger players who had impressed either in the academy set up or out on loan. The likes of Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori have become crucial parts of the Chelsea set up, but the downturn in Hazard’s value showcases how well they have benefitted from the winger’s departure.
The latest CIES Football Observatory rankings show how Hazard’s value has dropped significantly with the 29-year-old now worth €65.5million (£58m), ranking outside the top 20 of highest valued footballers in Europe’s top five leagues. That comes less than a year after his €100m move to Madrid.
Hazard’s value ranks in stark contrast to Mason Mount, inside the top 20, who now has an estimated value of €102.5m - placing above the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who rank considerably lower due to their ages.
For Chelsea, the increased value of Mount and others shows how selling Hazard at such a high price towards the end of his physical peak indicates a perfect piece of transfer business. The 29-year-old has made just nine appearances in the league for Real Madrid this season with one goal and one assist to his name.
While injury has played a part in Hazard’s poor start at the Santiago Bernabeu, Chelsea’s decision to sell their most prized asset at exactly the right time continues to develop as a great business decision.
In addition to 31 goal contributions in his last Premier League season for Chelsea, Hazard was one of the most influential players for the Blues since his arrival in 2012. Two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and a Carabao Cup show how successful the club was during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Therefore, while it is easy to say that selling Hazard was the right decision now, it stood as a bold move for Chelsea last summer and one that could have signalled a serious decline in their achievements on the pitch.
However, the emergence of several younger players has indicated that the club are heading in the right direction in terms of sustainable transfer business.
The likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Christian Pulisic and the arrival of Hakim Ziyech show how they are in a good place for long-term development.
If Chelsea didn’t sell Hazard last summer, the Belgian’s market value would have significantly decreased - as shown by the latest rankings - and there may have been less of a chance to develop young players with regular first team football.
