Owen Farrell Transfer Saga Takes Ugly Turn as Racing 92 Outline Demands
The potential return of Owen Farrell to Saracens has hit a snag, with Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti refusing to let the England star leave without a fight. According to reports from Rugby Pass, Farrell has expressed his desire to return to the Premiership, despite having a year remaining on his contract with the French club.
Farrell’s season in the Top 14 has been marked by struggles, and he has reportedly told Racing 92 that he wishes to return to England. Saracens, Leicester Tigers, and Gloucester have all been linked with a move for the former England captain, but Racing 92 are demanding compensation for the £500,000 they paid to release him from his Saracens contract last summer. As Rugby Pass notes, Lorenzetti is prepared to play hardball and will force Farrell to stay if a deal isn’t done this week, in an effort to avoid a repeat of the Siya Kolisi saga.
The Rugby Pass report also highlights that another significant obstacle to a deal is the regulation that requires players to spend two years abroad before being allowed to return as a marquee player. Given that Farrell still has a house near the Saracens training ground, this could prove a major stumbling block.
Saracens boss Mark McCall has declined to comment on the reports, stating that it is "just not worth answering" due to the speculative nature of the story. "As far as I know, he is under contract at Racing and has a year left," McCall said. "There are so many of these stories that come out. As you know from me down the years, there is no point talking about something that is so pie in the sky. It’s Âbetter for me not to comment."
Racing 92’s stance on Farrell’s potential departure is clear, with Lorenzetti determined to secure a deal that reflects the investment they made in signing him last summer. As reported by Rugby Pass, the French club are prepared to force Farrell to stay if a suitable offer is not received. This could lead to a protracted and complicated transfer saga, with several high-profile clubs vying for his signature.
The situation is being closely watched by fans and pundits alike, with many speculating about the potential impact of Farrell’s return to the Premiership. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: Racing 92 will not let Farrell leave without a fight. According to Rugby Pass, the club’s demands are clear, and it remains to be seen whether Saracens or one of the other interested clubs will be able to meet them.
In related news, Premiership leaders Bath are set to face Saracens this weekend, with McCall’s side looking to secure a crucial win. The Rugby Pass report suggests that McCall is focused on the task at hand, but it remains to be seen how the Farrell saga will play out in the coming weeks.
The original report from Rugby Pass can be found here: https://www.rugbypass.com/news/owen-farrell-transfer-saga-starts-to-turn-ugly-as-racing-outline-terms/.
