Even if that wasn't their main intention, Barcelona's controversial signing of rising star Malcom may help Real Madrid in their attempt to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
Los Blancos have kept an interest in signing Eden Hazard all summer, especially after the deal between CR7 and Juventus was announced, but there was a major setback: Chelsea wasn't willing to sell two of their players in the same transfer window, but things went their way once Malcom's swoop was completed.
According to Diario Gol, Barcelona was keeping tabs on Chelsea's Willian, and stealing the player away from Stamford Bridge would have ended Real Madrid's hopes of signing Hazard.
Roman Abramovich's policy of selling two footballers playing in the same region of the pitch has been a thing since Jose Mourinho's days as coach, and the Russian tycoon keeps working under that policy. So, with Malcom's signing, Real Madrid can make an attempt to sign Hazard for good.
The same report suggests that Real Madrid will make a second bid to sign the wingman, since their initial $147M bid to sign the player was turned down. If Florentino Pérez and Co. can strike a deal, Hazard's unveiling could take place prior to their August 13 game at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, and the Belgian ace could be available to play in the UEFA Super Cup against Atlético as well.
