Chelsea have until December 31st to decide whether to trigger their buy-back clause for Thorgan Hazard, according to German newspaper Bild.
Hazard has scored six goals and provided three assists in just four starts so far this season; the sort of form that has drawn his brother Eden much adulation in recent years.
The Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder’s early season performances have caught the eye of clubs across Europe, but the terms of his departure from Chelsea in the summer of 2015 leave the blues in the driving seat to secure his services.
When Hazard joined the Bundesliga side for a modest £6.8m, Chelsea ensured there was a buy-back clause inserted into his contract. It is understood that Conte’s side have the option to re-sign the midfielder for €15M (£12.9M) – much less than his actual market value.
However, it is reported that the clause expires at the end of this calendar year, so we will have to act fast if we wish to bring Hazard back to the Premier League.
The 23-year old is not being drawn into the speculation around his future, insisting that the centre of his focus remains with Gladbach: “I signed a contract here because I want to play here. I’m not wasting a single thought on Chelsea, as I am totally focused on my job here.”
The club were shrewd in ensuring they were not faced with another Kevin De Bruyne situation, where we held no such option. He has since gone onto become one of the best players in the country at Manchester City, and it is a bitter pill to swallow for anyone with Chelsea affiliation.
