Report: Dortmund set to offload Hazard
Westphalia's Ruhr Nachrichten newspaper reports that, after a disappointing loan stint, Borussia Dortmund will try to offload Belgian attacker Thorgan Hazard this summer.
| Thorgan Hazard. | Photo: GEPA Pictures/Roger Petzsche |
A permanent purchase for the 47-times-capped Belgian international appears out of the question. Hazard will also find it difficult to find a role in the squad of parent club Borussia Dortmund, where the form of Donyell Malen and Karim Adeyemi is already keeping several talented players on the bench. Signs point to a separation as Hazard - still drawing a hefty salary - enters the final year of his BVB contract.
Hazard did deliver for Dortmund during several years when injuries to other players left him the only option for die Schwarzgelben. The former Gladbach start scored 18 goals in 122 appearances across all competitions. The player is nevertheless widely regarded to be past his prime. Hazard's estimated market worth has fallen from a peak of €45 million before he joined the club to €9 million today.
Whether or not Sebastian Kehl and the BVB administrative team can find a taker for Hazard remains to be seen. North Rhine Westphalia's Ruhr Nachrichten newspaper reports that the task will be something of a priority for Kehl and company once Hazard returns. The player himself will surely wish to head somewhere where he has better playing prospects, but also might not be persuaded to give up a reported €5 million annual salary.