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Over the course of their careers, footballers generally tend to play for multiple clubs. If they are lucky, they can forge a strong relationship with fans and become a part of their folklore.
When that happens, supporters are always happy to have their stars back, even when they are returning after a rough spell away.
Today, we will speculate on stories of potential homecomings.
Here, we will take a look at five players who could return to their old clubs in the summer of 2022:
#5 Jordi Alba to Valencia
Over the last decade, Jordi Alba has proven himself to be an integral part of Barcelona. His link-up play with Lionel Messi was out of the world and helped the Blaugrana unlock some of the most stubborn defenses.
The 32-year-old, who is one of the captains of the team, can still produce important performances, but his impact has surely started to wane. He has become a lot more error-prone and often has a hard time keeping up with pacy dribblers.
As per reports, Barcelona want to make a strong push for Erling Haaland in the summer and are prepared to sacrifice Alba for it. Additionally, Barca are reportedly eager to bring in young blood at left-back and have earmarked Valencia’s Jose Gaya for that role.
If Barcelona push for Gaya in the summer, Alba could be used as a good bargaining chip. That way, the Catalonian outfit would get their man and Valencia would have their academy star back for one last dance.
#4 Paul Pogba to Juventus
Manchester United star Paul Pogba is one of the best midfielders in the world right now. The Frenchman possesses unmatched skills and charisma, and is capable of improving any team in the world. With his contract set to expire in the summer, many clubs are waiting on the wings to snap him up for free.
Ralf Rangnick’s side have reportedly been trying their best to get him to sign an extension, but haven’t had a breakthrough yet. As expected, Pogba’s former club Juventus have emerged as the frontrunners for his signature.
The two parties are reportedly adjudging the feasibility of the transfer and trying to figure out a way to meet Pogba’s wage demands.
The Bianconeri are looking to reclaim their foothold in Serie A and having Pogba could surely help their case. The 2018 World Cup winner arguably played his best football during his four-year stay in Turin.
The midfielder featured in 178 games for the Old Lady, registering 34 goals and 40 assists. He won four Serie A titles and two Italian Cups with Juventus and was named in Serie A's 'Team of the Season' in 2013-14.
#3 Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona
Antoine Griezmann joined Barcelona from Atletico Madrid for an earth-shattering €120million fee in the summer of 2019. The Frenchman had a couple of good spells here and there over the next couple of seasons, but they weren’t convincing enough for Barca.
To fund their transfers and reduce wages, the Blaugrana loaned Griezmann back to Atletico Madrid with a purchase option ahead of the 2021-22 season.
If Atletico use him in the 50 percent of the matches he’s available in, they will have to trigger his €40million purchase option. Current coach Diego Simeone reportedly wants the World Cup winner to continue in Madrid, but the boss’s future, itself, is uncertain.
If Simeone does not continue, Griezmann could end up playing less than 50 percent of the games he’s available in. This would nullify the purchase option and see him return to the Camp Nou at the end of the 2021-22 season.
#2 Gareth Bale to Tottenham Hotspur
Between 2013 and 2016, Gareth Bale was an untouchable member of Real Madrid. He helped Los Blancos to the Copa del Rey and the Champions League in his debut season, etching his name in history.
He also played a key role in Madrid’s UCL three-peat between 2016 and 2018, scoring a brace in the 2017-18 final against Liverpool. Yet, despite his exploits, he has become surplus to requirements at the Santiago Bernabeu.
With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the four-time Champions League winner will become a free agent in the summer. As per reports, Bale’s beloved Tottenham Hotspur are interested in bringing the winger back for one last hurrah.
The player is reportedly happy with their offer and has already signed a pre-contract ahead of his summer transfer.
#1 Eden Hazard to Chelsea
Real Madrid spent a whopping €115million to acquire Eden Hazard’s services from Chelsea ahead of the 2019-20 season. Donning Los Blancos’ iconic no.7 jersey, Hazard was expected to set the world alight with his wizardry. Unfortunately, the Belgian has failed to live up to his sky-high billing.
Ravaged by injuries and fitness issues, Hazard has only played 65 games for Los Merengues. So far, he has only scored six times in all competitions, which is beyond disappointing for all parties involved.
Considering they are getting nowhere with one of the highest earners at the club, the Whites have reportedly decided to loan him back to Chelsea.
In an attempt to lower their wage bill and make room for Erling Haaland, Real Madrid allegedly want to loan Hazard out to Stamford Bridge. Of course, the deal can only materialize in the summer, but the Spanish giants are supposedly already in talks with the Blues regarding the transfer.
As per reports, there will not be a purchase option on the contract, meaning the Belgium international will return to Madrid in 2023.
