Hazard rules out Chelsea exit to Real Madrid in January

Eden Hazard has revealed he has to move to Spain to win the Ballon d’Or but has ruled out leaving Chelsea for Real Madrid in January.

The Belgium international has arguably been the best player in the world since the 2018 World Cup and Madrid have rekindled their long-standing interest as a result.

Madrid baulked at Chelsea’s £200m asking price in the summer but intend to pursue their interest over the next two transfer windows.

Hazard will only have 18 months left on his existing Chelsea deal in January but will only consider leaving the Premier League giants at the end of the season.

“That’s whyI want to go - maybe,” Hazard responded to Sky Sports when asked whether he can only win the Ballon d’Or at a Spanish side. “No,” he followed up when quizzed about leaving Chelsea in January.

Chelsea are desperate to convince Hazard to pledge his long-term future to the club but will almost certainly be forced to cash in on the Belgian if no new deal is agreed by next summer.

By that time Hazard will only have 12 months remaining on his Chelsea deal and Maurizio Sarri’s side will not be able to command anywhere near £200m.

Hazard has scored or assisted in all but one of his eight league appearances for Chelsea this season and is currently the highest WhoScored rated player in the Premier League (8.15).