Eden Hazard is reportedly set to remain at Real Madrid until his current contract expires in the summer of 2024. According to The Athletic, the Belgian is content to see out his deal despite the lack of playing time.

Real brought in Hazard from Chelsea in the summer of 2019 for around $107 million. Although the playmaker was seen as one of the top players in his position at the time, he has not lived up to expectations. In fact, Hazard has managed just seven goals and 11 assists in 73 total games with the Spanish giants.

This season, he has just one goal and one assist in seven total appearances.

A long list of injuries have hindered the Belgian’s playing time since his arrival to Spain. While most of his setbacks have been fairly minor, Hazard has suffered 17 different injuries in the three-and-a-half years in Madrid. These injuries have caused the midfielder to miss an astounding 78 matches for the club. This means that he has been sidelined for more matches than he’s played while at Real.

Hazard becomes record most-expensive transfer in Real history

Buying Hazard from Chelsea cost the club quite a bit in initial fees. The $107 million base fee was just short of the team record set by Gareth Bale. However, add-ons from the Hazard deal have now increased to help surpass the Bale transfer and make the Belgian the most expensive player in Real Madrid history. There were about $60 million in total add-ons, but not all of these stipulations have been triggered.

Along with Hazard and Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Zinedine Zidane round out Real’s top five most expensive player list. Ronaldo and Zidane were two massively successful legends at the club, while Tchouaméni is currently establishing himself as one of the most highly rated young midfielders in the sport.

Player’s family, wages big factors in decision

Despite his struggles, Hazard appears content with staying at the club. The aforementioned report suggests that his family is settled in Madrid. His massive contract, the highest of all players at the team, is a major factor as well.

Lack of playing time under Carlo Ancelotti has put strain on Hazard’s relationship with Real. In fact, the club’s manager has chosen Hazard in his starting XI just once this season during LaLiga play. While Real will shop their midfielder this summer, Hazard will dig his heels in and remain with the club.

PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire