Bayern Munich have their eyes on Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Thorgan Hazard

Borussia Mönchengladbach have been thoroughly impressive so far this season, and midfielder Thorgan Hazard has been at the center of their success. The 25-year-old Belgian international has already bagged 11 goals and provided 7 assists from 16 appearances across competitions this season, which already equals his totals in each of the past two seasons (2016/2017 & 2017/2018) for Die Fohlen.

Hazard might be slightly outclassed by his older brother Eden, but he is still attracting interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs, including Bayern Munich. Per a report by kicker (via tz), Bayern are keeping a very close eye on Hazard and could pounce on the opportunity to sign him over the summer transfer window. His contract with ‘Gladbach runs through 2020, but he has yet to sign an extension despite the club’s best efforts to extend him before the spring. Sporting director Max Eberl confirmed ‘Gladbach is still waiting:

We have clearly expressed our wish that we’d be happy to extend with Thorgan. Thorgan, however, would like to wait for now. We’ll sit down early next year and then try to reach a result.

Hazard himself has even said he may consider a summer move:

I’ve made up my mind that I will not leave the club in winter. If I transfer, then it will be in the summer.

Bearing in mind the departure of Arjen Roben and possibly Franck Ribery, Hazard could prove to be a valuable addition to Bayern’s midfield with his pace, creativity, and versatility. He could be deployed either out wide on either flank or centrally, tucked just behind Robert Lewandowski. Playing him centrally in between Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry could bolster Bayern’s linkup play in the final third with a dual or triple pivot of Thiago Alcantara, Leon Goretzka, and/or Corentin Tolisso playing just behind them — talk about a well-balanced lineup!

Christian Pulisic’s availability, however, also comes into play. The American international has struggled to find consistent minutes with Borussia Dortmund this year, and Bayern have expressed interest in him. On current form, Hazard looks like the brighter prospect. His release clause in his current contract is moreover valuated at only €30m. Pulisic’s contract is also set to run through 2020, but since he does not have a release clause, it would take a considerable fee to pry him away from Dortmund. By that token, Hazard would be an absolute bargain for only €30m and the far better option by any stretch of the imagination.

Some of this at Bayern, everyone?