Why Manchester United Lost Out to Chelsea in Race to Sign Eden Hazard

The Shocking Turn of Events that Saw Hazard Choose Stamford Bridge Over Old Trafford

The saga surrounding Eden Hazard’s 2012 transfer is one that has remained etched in football fans’ memories for over a decade, but the full extent of the behind-the-scenes drama has only recently come to light. More than 13 years ago, Manchester United were on the verge of landing one of the hottest young talents in Europe. The Belgian international had just helped Lille secure an impressive French league and cup double, and Europe’s top clubs were lining up for his signature. United were at the front of the queue, having agreed both a transfer fee with Lille and personal terms with the player.

However, in a surprising twist, United pulled out of the deal, paving the way for Chelsea to swoop in and secure the coveted player. While much of the focus at the time was on the player’s decision to move to Stamford Bridge over Old Trafford, the real reason for United’s withdrawal was rooted in issues with EdenHazard’s then-agent, John Bico. A bombshell report from The Times has revealed that Bico’s demands for “secret” payments led to Manchester United walking away from the transfer, despite having already agreed on the terms.

This move, though shrouded in controversy, would ultimately define Eden Hazard’s career as he became a central figure in Chelsea’s success for nearly a decade. But now, as the dust settles, the deal that sent Eden Hazard to Chelsea is under fresh scrutiny, with an ongoing investigation into financial dealings surrounding the transfer.

The Eden Hazard Transfer Saga: United’s Early Interest

Eden Hazard was a huge part of Chelsea’s 2010s success / OZAN KOSE/GettyImages

Eden Hazard’s name was on the lips of every football fan in 2012. Having helped Lille clinch the Ligue 1 title in the 2010/11 season, Eden Hazard was emerging as one of the brightest talents in European football. His dazzling performances on the pitch had caught the attention of several top clubs, including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and a growingly ambitious Manchester City.

At the time, United were nearing the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s legendary reign, and Ferguson was keen to rebuild the team around a new crop of talented stars. Eden Hazard seemed like the perfect fit: young, technically gifted, and ready to take the next step in his career. The Belgian international had been on United’s radar since his early teenage years, and the club had been tracking his development ever since he was 15 years old.

In fact, it is believed that United had already agreed on a transfer fee with Lille, and terms with Eden Hazard were reportedly settled too. The deal was all but done, and United fans were eagerly awaiting the announcement that one of the hottest young prospects in Europe would be joining their ranks. However, this was where the saga took a dramatic turn.

The Agent’s Controversial Demands: How United Walked Away

What was supposed to be a routine transfer quickly became mired in controversy, thanks to the actions of Eden Hazard’s then-agent, John Bico. According to reports, Bico, who represented Eden Hazard until 2014, made some highly questionable demands that ultimately led Manchester United to back out of the deal.

As revealed by The Times, Bico allegedly requested a “huge backhander” as part of the transfer agreement. The demands included a £1 million payment from United, in addition to several million more that were to be paid directly from the club’s owners. What made these requests particularly problematic was that the payments were meant to be kept off the club’s official accounts – an arrangement that would have clearly breached Premier League and UEFA regulations.

United, known for their strict adherence to financial fair play and transparency, immediately refused to comply with these demands. They had already made their position clear: they would not engage in any form of financial malpractice, particularly with a deal as high-profile as Hazard’s. United’s decision to walk away from the transfer may have seemed drastic at the time, but it was made in the interest of safeguarding the club’s reputation and maintaining its commitment to ethical practices.

While there is no suggestion that Hazard himself was aware of his agent’s actions, the entire episode resulted in United pulling out of the race for the Belgian’s signature. As a result, Chelsea were able to swoop in and sign Hazard for £32 million, a fee that would later look like an absolute bargain given the player’s influence at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea Seize the Opportunity: Eden Hazard Becomes a Blue

With United’s withdrawal, Chelsea took full advantage of the situation. The Blues, who had already been keeping tabs on Hazard, wasted no time in negotiating a deal with Lille. It didn’t take long before the Belgian signed on the dotted line, making the switch to Stamford Bridge in a transfer that would go on to shape the course of Chelsea’s history.

Hazard’s arrival in London marked the beginning of a new era for the club. The Belgian instantly became one of the Premier League’s most influential players, dazzling fans with his dribbling, creativity, and ability to deliver in the big moments. Over the next seven years, Hazard played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s success, winning two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the 2013 UEFA Europa League, among other trophies. His performances on the pitch made him a fan favorite and a key figure in the team’s domestic and European achievements.

The most notable achievement of Hazard’s time at Chelsea came in 2019, when he helped the club secure the UEFA Europa League title with a stunning individual display in the final. Shortly after that victory, Hazard completed a high-profile move to Real Madrid for a fee that could rise to €146 million, a transfer that saw Chelsea triple their original investment.

The Ongoing Investigation: Financial Dealings Under Scrutiny

Fast forward to today, and the deal that saw Eden Hazard join Chelsea is under fresh scrutiny. When Todd Boehly’s consortium took control of Chelsea from Roman Abramovich in 2022, they inherited not only the club’s finances but also the legacy of previous transfer dealings. It was soon revealed that several of Chelsea’s past transfers, including Hazard’s, were subject to an investigation.

In particular, the payments made to Bico are now a focus of the ongoing investigation. Reports suggest that Abramovich may have made a £6 million payment to Bico via an offshore company, a move that raises questions about the transparency of Chelsea’s financial dealings at the time. This is not the first time Chelsea have faced such allegations. In 2023, the club was also investigated for payments related to the transfers of other players, including Samuel Eto’o and Willian, which occurred around the same period.

The investigation into these payments has sparked controversy, and it remains to be seen what consequences, if any, Chelsea may face as a result. For now, however, the focus remains on Hazard’s transfer to Stamford Bridge and the behind-the-scenes dealings that allowed Chelsea to beat Manchester United to his signature.

Conclusion: A Transfer Saga Full of Drama and Consequences

The story of Eden Hazard’s transfer to Chelsea is one that continues to evolve, with new revelations emerging even over a decade after the deal was concluded. For Manchester United, the saga serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical conduct in football, as they walked away from a deal that could have significantly strengthened their squad. For Chelsea, the transfer marked the beginning of a golden era, with Hazard playing a key role in the club’s success for nearly a decade.

However, with the ongoing investigation into the financial dealings surrounding Eden Hazard’s transfer, the transfer saga may not be over just yet. Whether this will have a lasting impact on Chelsea’s reputation or lead to any formal consequences remains to be seen. One thing is for sure: the transfer that saw Hazard leave Lille for Stamford Bridge was one of the most dramatic, controversial, and ultimately significant in modern football history.