Chelsea to break bank to sign “world-class” star who’s like Eden Hazard
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Chelsea’s Big Spending and Hunt for the “Next Hazard” in Rayan Cherki
Since Todd Boehly took ownership of Chelsea in May 2022, the club has shown no hesitation in making substantial investments, spending over £1.2 billion on new signings. This wave of spending has transformed Chelsea’s first-team squad, providing head coach Enzo Maresca with the talent and resources needed to make a mark during his inaugural season in charge.
Among these significant investments are big-name attackers like Mykhailo Mudryk and Pedro Neto. Mudryk joined the Blues for a staggering £88.5 million, while Neto’s recent move from Wolverhampton set the club back around £54 million. Despite their promise, neither player has yet to fill the void left by one of Chelsea’s most beloved former stars, Eden Hazard.
Remembering Eden Hazard’s Chelsea Legacy
Belgian winger Eden Hazard joined Chelsea in 2012 and quickly rose to prominence, captivating fans with his dribbling, creativity, and goal-scoring prowess. Over seven successful years, Hazard scored 110 goals in 352 appearances and lifted six major trophies with Chelsea, including two Europa League titles in 2013 and 2019. One of his most iconic goals was a solo run against Arsenal, where he dribbled through the defense before scoring with remarkable composure.
In 2019, Hazard moved to Real Madrid in a £150 million transfer, but his career in Spain was marred by injuries. Despite his challenges abroad, Hazard’s legacy at Stamford Bridge remains untarnished, as fans continue to regard him as one of Chelsea’s finest players.
Chelsea’s Pursuit of the “Next Hazard”
In their quest to fill the creative gap left by Hazard’s departure, Chelsea is now eyeing 21-year-old Lyon winger Rayan Cherki. Renowned football journalist Graeme Bailey reports that Chelsea scouts are closely monitoring Cherki, who has also caught the attention of Newcastle United. Cherki has made a strong start to the 2024/25 season with two goals and three assists in nine matches, sparking comparisons to Hazard due to his technical skill, versatility, and game-changing potential.
French football expert Jonathan Johnson has likened Cherki to Hazard, noting that, like Hazard in his early Ligue 1 days, Cherki combines impressive technical ability with creative vision. He’s considered Lyon’s most promising young talent since Karim Benzema. Cherki’s Europa League performances this season reveal his immense skill: he ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes per 90 (averaging nine) and successful take-ons (five), echoing Hazard’s dribbling dominance during his Chelsea tenure.
Cherki’s Impact Potential at Chelsea
Talent scout Jacek Kulig describes Cherki as “world-class,” and his impressive statistics support this view. Cherki averages 5.8 key passes and 2.5 through balls per 90 minutes in the Europa League, making him a valuable asset for creating scoring opportunities. His vision and creativity would complement Chelsea’s current lineup, offering forwards like Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson ample chances to capitalize on his distribution.
Though it remains unclear how much Chelsea would need to invest to secure Cherki’s services in January, his addition could electrify Stamford Bridge. Fans and pundits alike see Cherki as a potential successor to Hazard, bringing the creativity Chelsea craves as they push for a Champions League spot.
