More than ten years ago, the transfer of Eden Hazard from LOSC to Chelsea continues to make people talk. This time, a third actor enters the stage: Manchester United. Last January, Nolan Roux declared that Eden Hazard was the strongest player he had played with. However, the great European clubs did not need these words to recognize the talent of the young Belgian who had joined Chelsea in 2012 for 35 million euros.

Yet Hazard’s destiny could have been different. Manchester United, which considered it a priority, had also made an offer for his arrival. However, a detail revealed by The Times overturned the operation: a secret request of several million pounds issued by John Bico Penaque, the Belgian agent.

Manchester United had found common ground with the LOSC and the player, but this final condition ended the discussions. The reason? A request for the secret payment of several million pounds via Manchester United accounts, as well as other millions sent directly by the club owners. This request was refused to comply with UEFA financial fair play rules introduced in the Premier League.

Chelsea finally won the bet and Eden Hazard became an iconic Blues player with 110 goals and 88 assists in 352 appearances. However, a recent investigation reveals that Chelsea may have attempted to circumvent the rules of fair financial play through payments made via offshore companies.

This case concerns in particular the transfer of Eden Hazard in 2012, as well as those of Samuel Eto’o and Willian. John Bico Penaque reportedly received 6.5 million euros via a British Virgin Islands-based front company. Manchester United may have flaired the blow, but Eden Hazard had the Londoners capsized for seven years.