There’s an interesting subplot to the next 14 weeks at Stamford Bridge and Borussia-Park.
Belgian midfielder Thorgan Hazard, 23, joined Chelsea with his older brother Eden in 2012. He spent two years on loan to Zulte Waregem before going on loan for another season, to Borussia Monchengladbach.
The playmaker earned a permanent deal with ‘Gladbach, and signed this summer for a fee of $9 million. But the agreement included a $17 million buyback clause that Chelsea could exercise at the end of the year, according to German outlet Bild.
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Well, Hazard has six goals and three assists for ‘Gladbach this season, including a hat trick against Young Boys in Champions League qualification. That has many wondering if Chelsea may exercise that clause.
Bild says the deal is set to expire on Dec. 31. If Hazard plays anywhere near this production level, it would seem almost certain that Chelsea would activate the buyback.
Hazard says he’s not thinking of Chelsea at all, but surely the Blues are considering him.