Real Madrid make first move for Eden Hazard after Zidane returns as manager — reports

Following in the footsteps of AS Monaco reappointing Leonardo Jardim, Real Madrid have reinstated their former manager, Zinedine Zidane, effective immediately. As expected because of Eden Hazard and Zidane's mutual admiration for each other, it hasn't taken long for Madrid to make their first move for Hazard as they try to strengthen and rebuild.

According to Chelsea-whisperer Matt Law, that Los Blancos have approached Chelsea for Hazard, although the details of this approach are as of yet unknown. According to the report, it is also believed that the Belgian, too, will inform the Blues of his desire to leave for the Spanish giants and reject the contract we have been trying to get him to sign for almost 2 years now.

This is certainly not surprising as the Belgian considers Zidane to be his idol and has stated, two years ago, that playing under Zidane would be a dream come true for him and his re-appointment at Madrid was only going to make matters worse for Chelsea.

In an official statement released by Los Blancos, it was stated that the Spanish giants have sacked Santiago Solari and replaced him with Zidane, whose new contract runs until June 2022.

“The Board of Directors of Real Madrid, meeting today, Monday, March 11, 2019, has decided to terminate the contract that linked Santiago Solari with the club as coach of the first team and, at the same time, Real Madrid has offered to continue belonging to the club. Real Madrid appreciates the work done by Santiago Solari and the commitment and loyalty he has always shown to this house.”

“The Board of Directors has also agreed the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as the new coach of Real Madrid with immediate incorporation for the remainder of the season and the next three, until June 30, 2022.”

“The president of Real Madrid will appear today with Zinedine Zidane before the media at 8:00 pm in the press room of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.”

-Source: Real Madrid

Of course if Zidane were to come back and risk tarnishing his legacy of winning of three consecutive Champions League titles and one La Liga in his two-and-a-half season tenure at Real Madrid, he would have wanted some assurances of signings and the reports before his announcement already hinted towards these demands being substantial.

“Zidane asked Florentino the weekend to make a decision that had been affirmative as La Sexta had reported. Florentino has accepted everything he was asked by Zizou and it is not little. There will be a Velvet Revolution, little by little, Zidane will turn the team around with surprises.”

-Source: Francesc Aguilar’s Twitter

That certainly doesn’t bode well for the rest of Europe as this would mean Real Madrid going on a spending spree. It's worth noting that the last time they went on a spending spree, they ended up buying Cristiano Ronaldo, Xabi Alonso, Kaká, Karim Benzema and others in the same transfer window.

Hence, their approach for this move even if Hazard would only have a year on his contract seems very likely, even though waiting for a year to let Hazard run down his contract would have been the smarter financial move, as this is Real Madrid who have finally opened their chequebook as they try to rebuild and get back to their best.

Well, this summer got a lot more interesting... or terrifying.