Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Thorgan Hazard this summer.
That’s according to German outlet Bild, who claim that Borussia Dortmund are are prepared to sell the Toon target.
They add that Dortmund could allow Hazard to leave for around £13million, which is well within Newcastle’s budget.
Thorgan Hazard could be a bargain
If Hazard really is available for that kind of money then Newcastle could do a lot worse. It’s similar to the fee we paid for Matt Targett, which was a sensible addition.
Hazard could fall into that bracket too, and would improve an area of Eddie Howe’s squad that needs a boost.
Our wide options aren’t great. Allan Saint-Maximin is the only real game changer we’ve got. The likes of Ryan Fraser, Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy all had excellent moments last season, but could certainly offer Newcastle a bit more.
Hazard would be an improvement on those players. He can play on both flanks too, and has experience at the highest level. He’s been with Dortmund for three years.
The 29-year-old is also a Belgium international, representing his country 45 times since his debut in 2013. He’ll have ambitions of going to the World Cup this winter, and may believe a move is necessary to guarantee his place in the squad.
Hazard played 23 times in the Bundesliga last season, with nine appearances coming off the bench.
A move to Newcastle would signal a return to England for Hazard, who was on Chelsea’s books for three years. He didn’t play a single minute for the Blues.
His brother Eden was offered to Newcastle
Had things gone differently, Thorgan Hazard could have the opportunity to link up with his older brother at St James’ Park.
Eden Hazard was linked with the Magpies heading into January, not long after the Saudi-backed takeover had gone through.
According to ESPN, Real Madrid offered him to Newcastle, in a bid to raise cash for their planned Erling Haaland move. Hazard allegedly laughed at the prospect of joining Newcastle, while Haaland has gone to Manchester City.
But while a more Eden was completely unrealistic, talk of signing Thorgan is much more appealing. He hasn’t been plagued with the same kind of injury problems as his brother, and could be an astute signing by Howe.
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