Tam McManus has claimed that Eden Hazard moving to Newcastle United would ‘raise eyebrows’. However, the pundit doesn’t see him as the type of player that Eddie Howe would want at the club.
McManus spoke to Football Insider about the recent reports linking the Belgian to the Magpies. Reports from Spain had claimed Real Madrid would sanction Hazard’s exit, with the club having lost faith in him.
Furthermore, the report states Newcastle and Aston Villa are the most likely options for him.
The Toon have had a fantastic season thus far, as they are currently third in the league with the joint-best defence alongside leaders Arsenal.
Since Howe took charge at Newcastle, he’s turned them around with a number of big results. He’s beaten the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur already this term, as well as thumping the likes of Fulham and Brentford.
Despite the rumours, McManus believes that Hazard simply isn’t the type of player Howe would want to bring to St James’ Park.
He stated: “It would certainly raise eyebrows, wouldn’t it?
“We all know how good Hazard is, on his day he is incredible. The problem is it hasn’t been his day for two or three years now.
“You look at Newcastle, they play with such intensity, a high-pressing game that really takes it out of you. You need to be able to graft; can Hazard do that?
“I don’t see him as the kind of player Eddie Howe would want. Maybe it will be one of those where the ownership sign it all off [and] then the manager says no.
“I don’t see Howe wanting him. That will probably be the end of it. If it was the Hazard of a few years ago then yes, absolutely.”
TIF Thoughts on McManus’ comments…
We believe that McManus is right about Hazard as he’s simply not the player he once was. At Chelsea he was one of the best, with the Belgian netting goals for fun at Stamford Bridge.
However, since moving to Real Madrid, his career has stalled, as he’s not producing the numbers he used to. He’s picked up a number of injuries in Spain, which have likely impacted his performances.
Based on their transfers since the start of the year, Newcastle aren’t just looking at high-profile names. Rather, they’re looking for established players and those with quality for the present and future.
A player like Bruno Guimaraes has been fantastic for them. He has scored a fair few goals from midfield, while at 25 years old, the Brazilian is someone who can play for them for a long time.
Based on his recent form, the Magpies shouldn’t sign Hazard. Whilst he’s a big name, we think Newcastle should continue their current transfer strategy to continue their success into the future.