3 reasons why Barcelona should not sign Eden Hazard

Spanish champions FC Barcelona have joined a host of European clubs in an intense battle in the transfer market as they work towards addressing major areas of their respective squads in preparation for next season.

Despite winning both the La Liga title and the Copa Del Rey trophy during the previous campaign, it appears evident that the Catalans have prioritised winning the UEFA Champions League trophy next term. This has led to a reinforcement project which has seen the likes of Malcolm, Clement Lenglet, and Arthur Melo all switching to Camp Nou this summer.

Although they have had a decent transfer window so far, Blaugrana are still in the hunt to add an established attacker to their ranks before the upcoming campaign - and they have reportedly highlighted Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard as the perfect option to strengthen their attack.

According to the reports, the club is determined to land the Belgian superstar this summer, and they are reportedly considering a swap deal involving Ousmane Dembele plus €100 million in a bid to convince Chelsea to part ways with the superstar.

Although Eden Hazard is a decent player, a move for the 27 year old doesn't make sense for Barcelona at the moment. As a matter of fact, below are 3 reasons why the Catalans must refrain from signing the superstar this summer.

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#3 Ousmane Dembele

Barca broke their transfer record to sign the youngster in 2017

Following the departure of Neymar Junior to Paris Saint Germain last season, Barcelona decided to sign French wonderkid Ousmane Dembele from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth €105 million, making the youngster the most expensive signing in the club's history at that time.

Much was expected of the youngster after he was brought in to replace the Brazilian, but he suffered a poor start to life in the Catalan capital after picking up a couple of terrible injuries.

However, he did show some promising signs after his recovery, bagging 4 goals and 8 assists for the Catalans during the campaign. He looks set to reach his full potential with the club next season.

With talks of a possible swoop for Eden Hazard surfacing this summer, Barcelona will need to dismiss their interest in the Chelsea superstar as it doesn't make much sense to sign the Belgian when they still have Dembele in their squad.

The French youngster is a highly talented player with a lot of potential. He has an incredible pace, amazing dribbling skills and awesome creativity. All that make him a real threat to opposition defenders.

At just 21, Dembele still has more to offer on a long term basis than a 27 year old Hazard, and should be given adequate opportunity to reach his peak.

If Barcelona end up signing the Chelsea playmaker, it means the former Borussia Dortmund winger would get limited time at Camp Nou, this would have negative effects on both his progress and the future of the club.

All stats via transfermarkt

#2 Ridiculous fee

It would require a mammoth fee to lure Hazard from Chelsea

Considering the incredible abilities and influence of Eden Hazard at Stamford Bridge, it is true that Chelsea will demand an astronomical fee in order to let go of the Belgian superstar this summer. If the reports are to be believed, Barcelona will need to cough out £200 million in order to convince The Blues to part ways with their talisman.

Spending such a huge fee on a player is not advisable for Barcelona at the moment after the club spent so much to recruit the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele recently.

Besides, the idea of splashing over £200 million on the Belgian is not a good one, considering that there are other areas of the squad that also need to be strengthened. The likes of Andres Iniesta, Paulinho, and Lucas Digne have all left and should be properly replaced.

#1 Squad depth

The Catalans have a decent squad at the moment

After spending heavily during the past few transfer windows, there is no doubt that Barcelona have one of the strongest squads in Europe at the moment. The Catalans have also made notable signings this summer, with the likes of Malcolm, Clement Lenglet, and Arthur Melo all joining a star studded roster in the Catalan capital.

As a result of a rumored move for Eden Hazard filling the air, it is important to ask whether the Blaugrana really need the services of the Belgian superstar next season.

With the presence of incredible attackers like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Philippe Coutinho, Ousmane Dembele, Malcolm, Munir El Haddadi and Pablo Alcacer in the squad, it is quite evident that the Catalans have enough attacking options in their ranks.

Therefore, they should refrain from signing the Chelsea playmaker and focus on utilising the amazing superstars currently present at the club.