Real Madrid want him: Chelsea heading for Hazard repeat with £96m star

Chelsea are currently in outstanding form, securing their fourth consecutive Premier League win in a thrilling encounter on Sunday afternoon. The Blues staged an impressive comeback, overturning a 2-0 deficit to claim a dramatic 4-3 victory against fierce rivals Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

 

Jadon Sancho and Enzo Fernández both delivered stunning long-range goals, while Cole Palmer showcased his composure with two second-half penalty conversions. Notably, Palmer’s second penalty was an audacious Panenka, underscoring his confidence and flair.

 

Cole Palmer’s Penalty Record

 

This performance highlighted Palmer’s remarkable penalty record, as he has now scored all 12 of his Premier League spot-kicks, surpassing the previous record set by Yaya Touré. Such a flawless streak cements Palmer’s reputation as one of the league’s most reliable penalty takers—and his Panenka was a spectacular way to achieve this milestone.

 

Chelsea’s Title Ambitions

 

This victory propels Enzo Maresca’s side above Arsenal and Manchester City in the standings, positioning them as Liverpool’s closest challengers. With just four points separating Chelsea from the league leaders (albeit Liverpool hold a game in hand), the Blues remain firmly in the title race. Their upcoming fixtures against Brentford, Everton, Fulham, Ipswich, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Wolves suggest they could maintain their momentum in the weeks ahead.

 

Cole Palmer: A Rising Star

 

Following the match, Jamie Carragher praised Palmer on Sky Sports, declaring him the Premier League’s standout player since the start of last season. Palmer’s brace against Tottenham brought his total direct goal contributions to a league-leading figure, surpassing Mohamed Salah, albeit in three additional appearances.

 

Interest from Real Madrid

 

Palmer’s exceptional performances have not gone unnoticed. Reports from Spain suggest that Real Madrid is monitoring the 22-year-old, with club president Florentino Pérez reportedly admiring his qualities and potential to become a global superstar. Chelsea signed Palmer for £42.5 million, a fee that now looks like a bargain. The CIES Football Observatory estimates his market value at approximately £96 million—likely a conservative figure.

 

Palmer recently signed a two-year contract extension in August, tying him to Chelsea until 2033. As a result, any potential transfer would command a significant fee, with reports acknowledging that his price tag could pose a challenge for suitors.

 

A Potential Hazard Repeat?

 

Real Madrid has a history of acquiring top Premier League talent, with high-profile transfers such as David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Gareth Bale. However, Chelsea fans may feel uneasy about Palmer’s potential departure, given Eden Hazard’s record-breaking £88.5 million move to Madrid. Despite high expectations, Hazard’s time at Real was plagued by injuries, and he retired at 32 with just seven goals in 76 appearances.

 

If Real Madrid were to pursue Palmer, they would be keen to avoid a similar outcome. Unlike Hazard, Palmer is at the start of his career and has already demonstrated his reliability and growth. Considering the club’s recent investments in young talents like Aurélien Tchouaméni, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham, Madrid may be willing to break their transfer record to secure the Englishman’s services. However, convincing Chelsea to part with their rising star would be no small feat.