Manchester City Should Not Be Tempted to Sign Chelsea's Eden Hazard

It’s likely to be a quiet January transfer window for Manchester City. Manuel Pellegrini hasn’t ruled out any incomings but has been fairly explicit in his belief his squad is complete. If a deal presents itself that is difficult to ignore, then the club would act, but it’s unlikely.

"Really I think this squad is complete," Pellegrini told reporters ahead of City's trip to Watford earlier this month.

"As always I said that we are not going to close the window but we are not really thinking of any special players to bring in.”

City have consistently been so methodical in their transfer activity that there is often little speculation. Unlike other clubs, who dither and lack planning, City identify targets early and do what they can to get them. It’s great for the club and is an improvement on the way things were done prior to Txiki Begiristain’s arrival at the club; it’s a nightmare for the media who thrive on transfer talk.

However, reports are emerging of interest in Chelsea’s Eden Hazard. According to the Sun on Sunday (via David Wright in the Express), City want the forward to join them this summer, with the club’s Belgian stars, Kevin De Bruyne and Vincent Kompany, set to be key in persuading him to choose the Sky Blues over other interested sides.

Hazard has had a difficult season and has struggled with form and fitness issues. Chelsea have languished in the bottom half for much of the campaign. It’s been a remarkable story.

Last season, Hazard was the league’s best player, the man voted by his fellow professionals as the Player of the Year. He scored 18 goals in 47 games and was almost impossible to defend against. His ability to skip beyond players and create made him by far the most potent weapon at any Premier League club. 

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Between March and April, he scored five goals in eight games as Chelsea closed in on the title. His PFA award was deserved—no one could match him in 2014/15.

His decline over the past few months has been sharp and unexpected, but clearly, he still has what it takes to thrive. He's had injuries, but he's also appeared to lack fitness. When he returned from the summer break, he appeared to be distinctly overweight. 

Talent is often permanent, though. In the right environment, with the right manager and coaches behind him, Hazard could quite easily return to his devastating best. Sometimes, a player needs a move to revitalise their career, to rediscover their enthusiasm for the game. 

Whether City need him, though, is another question completely. Raheem Sterling, four years Hazard’s junior, is seen as their future in wide areas. With David Silva and De Bruyne also competing for the support roles behind Sergio Aguero, City’s lone striker, it’s an area they are well stocked in.

There are holes in City's squad, with centre-half remaining an area of concern, as well as both full-back positions, but attacking midfielders are plentiful. 

Thierry Hazard, the player’s father and agent, believes he will stay at Chelsea, according to Belgian newspaper Het Nieuwsblad (via the Express):

"

Eden is completely focused on Chelsea.

Even with Chelsea he still has ambition. Winning a title might be hard, but finishing in the top three is still possible.

Eden now has two injuries in quick succession. I am convinced that his current groin injury related to the hip injury he sustained earlier this season. These injuries happen because he plays a lot of games.

Eden plays a kind of football where you have to be one hundred per cent. Therefore I hope that he takes the time to hit top form again. He is at an age that he must organise his season and his games wisely.

"

If Chelsea fail to make the top four—a distinct possibility given their disastrous first half of the season—Hazard is likely to change his position, and there would be plenty of suitors. He remains one of the most talented footballers around. 

But City would surely look elsewhere. 

Rob Pollard is Bleacher Report's lead Manchester City correspondent and will be following the club from a Manchester base throughout the 2015/16 season. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @RobPollard_.