5 superstars who could return to their old clubs this summer

#3 Antoine Griezmann to Barcelona

FC Porto v Atletico Madrid: Group B - UEFA Champions League

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.

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#2 Gareth Bale to Tottenham Hotspur

Villarreal CF v Real Madrid CF - La Liga Santander

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.

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#1 Eden Hazard to Chelsea

Real Madrid CF v Elche CF - La Liga Santander

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.