Chelsea are long-known for their shady deals to get through to their targets, and one of those deals that shadow in bit of a grey area was that of Eden Hazard. Roman Abramovich, Chelsea owner at the time, reportedly made a €7m secret payment to Eden Hazard’s agent when he moved to Chelsea, with the agent vetoing his client over Arsenal move.
According to leaked documents reported via. The Guardian, Leiston Holdings, company owned by Abramovich, paid €7m to Gulf Value FZE back in March 2013 for “advisory services […] related to […] sport research and consultancy”. This deal is underwritten under the hands of John Bico, who was the agent of Eden Hazard at the time, which was signed just months after Eden moved to the Bridge and reportedly John demanding a figure of £6m as commission fees during negotiations with the Blues.
Why does this concern an Arsenal fan? The Gunners were the favourites to sign him. We were right there, and then we signed Gervinho instead. People blame Arsene Wenger for it, but Eden Hazard’s agent admitted to vetoing a move to Chelsea with both Eden & his father wanting an Arsenal move. Here is what his agent said:
“It was his number-one choice. His father’s number-one choice too. But for me, it was a categorical refusal even when I really like this club, its history.
“At the time, there were too many young people and too many French people. It would have been a little like Lille. Eden accepted this veto. [With difficulty], but he did.
“Arsenal would have been a decision of the heart but not that of a man, even if it costs me to say that.”
So, apparently sporting decision for an agent means one where he earns more commission… doesn’t surprise me!
