Racing's €500,000 price tag could scupper Owen Farrell's early Premiership return
Racing 92 are believed to be demanding a transfer fee of €500,000 for Owen Farrell which could block hopes of the former England captain returning to the Premiership in a player/coach role next season.
It is understood that Saracens had originally left the door open for Farrell to return to the Premiership club in a coaching capacity next year when the former England captain moved to Racing on a two-year deal at the start of this season.
Telegraph Sport revealed on Monday that the 33-year-old was keen to accelerate his return to England at the end of this season. It is thought he wants to begin his transition into coaching early and amid concerns of the state of his body given the gruelling demands of the Top 14 season.
With Kevin Sorrell, Saracens' long-standing backs coach, set to leave at the end of this season, a position has potentially opened up for Farrell to take his first steps in a coaching career, while continuing his playing career at the club where he spent 16 seasons before his move to France.
Racing are understood to have already had approaches for him from Premiership clubs, including Gloucester and Leicester Tigers, but any potential hopes of an early return to Saracens however hang in the balance.
Racing were reportedly able to successfully demand a hefty transfer fee when Siya Kolisi rejoined the Sharks after just one season in Paris, but no Premiership club is likely to be prepared to pay the €500,000 fee being demanded to secure Farrell's early release given his age and age and injury history.
Gloucester have since recruited Ireland fly-half Ross Bryne from Leinster for the start of next season and Leicester have been linked with former Wallaby fly-half James O'Connor.
Farrell's return to the Premiership would theoretically make him available to play for England, as the Rugby Football Union overseas rule currently prohibits players based at foreign clubs from being selected for the national side unless in exceptional circumstances.
Farrell, who has won 112 caps for his country, decided to leave the Premiership club last year after stepping back from international rugby following the 2023 World Cup for mental health reasons.
Whether England's all-time leading points-scorer is keen to return to the international stage is not certain, but his availability would be regarded as a major boost for head coach Steve Borthwick.
At the time of Farrell's decision to take a break from playing for England after the pressure of international captaincy, including being booed by his own fans, became overbearing, Borthwick applauded his courage. 'Let's be clear, we're all hoping at some stage he will come back into the England team.'
He is also under consideration for a late call-up into the British and Irish Lions squad for the tour of Australia this summer, but that could hang on his fitness. He has been suffering from concussion since Racing were defeated by Lyon in the Challenge Cup semi-final earlier this month and is not expected to play this weekend.
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