Alan Hutton: Eden Hazard could be another Philippe Coutinho situation for Aston Villa

We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park

Alan Hutton fears Eden Hazard could become a similar signing to Philippe Coutinho should Aston Villa pursue a move for the Real Madrid attacker.

RMC report (11 November) that Villa are interested in bringing the 31-year-old back to the Premier League to end his disappointing spell in the Spanish capital.

However, Hutton is concerned Hazard could struggle, much like Coutinho who has zero goals or assists to his name so far in the 2022/23 campaign.

"I mean they got Coutinho so that's clearly where they're aiming," Hutton exclusively told Villa News.

"If Hazard was to come in you want him to contribute and if you look at the Coutinho move it looked as if it was going to take off and instead it's fizzled out a little bit after giving him a big contract and big wages.

"It shows you what the owners are all about, they're willing to invest and spend their money on making the team better, if they can get Hazard as good as he was before he went to Real Madrid then, of course, you've got a wonderful player there.

"It really depends on the money situation because I would hate for another Coutinho situation to happen."

Hazard has just six appearances in all competitions to his name this season, featuring predominantly as a substitute for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

If he does move to Villa Park, fans will be desperate for the winger to rediscover some of his form from his Chelsea days, where he was one of Europe's best.

In other Aston Villa news, Matty Cash is stunned by Danny Ings after his quick start under Unai Emery