Thorgan Hazard to make a decision on his future 'in the next few weeks'
Thorgan Hazard, who has been linked with clubs such as Bayern München and Borussia Dortmund, is expected to make a decision on his future in the next few weeks.
| Thorgan Hazard. | Photo: Borussia Mönchengladbach |
Apparently, after initial talks of a possible contract extension during the first half of the season, the parties agreed that they would put the negotiations on hold until March.
However, according to Sport Bild, Gladbach have entered talks with Hazard and his agent much earlier than planned with the German newspaper estimating that 'Die Fohlen' have a real chance of keeping the 25-year-old whose current deal runs until 2020.
A deciding factor for Hazard is whether Gladbach manage to qualify for the Champions League or not. And as 'Die Fohlen' are currently in second place with a 10 point distance to the fifth place, it seems very likely that they'll participate in next season's Champions League.
"It's the best competition in Europe. Champions League games at Borussia-Park are special. The atmosphere is amazing," Hazard told Sport-Bild as he recalled the Champions League games at Gladbach's home ground in 2015 and 2016.
When asked if he plans to experience something similar with Gladbach in the coming season, he responded with a "maybe".
According to Sport Bild, it's conceivable that a special clause will be inserted into Hazard's potential contract, so he'll be able to leave the club for a fixed transfer fee if 'Die Fohlen' fail to qualify for the Champions League once.
Gladbach are said to be willing to offer Hazard a salary of around €6 million a year which would make him the club's highest paid player.
Apparently, Gladbach sporting director Max Eberl is currently fully focused on the negotiations with Hazard and isn't actively looking for a potential replacement for the winger at the moment.
"Gladbach and him are a success story that will hopefully continue for a long time," Eberl said.
He also underlined that Hazard will definitely be sold in the summer if he rejects Gladbach's offer.
"If he turns down a contract extension, it's because he wants to take another step forward. And then it wouldn't make sense for him to stay another year," Eberl said.
Hazard has made 21 appearances this season with 12 goals and nine assists to his name.
