Owen Farrell Could Be Nearing Saracens Return As Club Enters Talks With Racing 92

Former England captain Owen Farrell could be returning to Saracens after just one year with French club Racing 92.

England’s record points scorer Farrell, 33, has struggled since making the switch to Parisian side Racing last year.

It’s been a frustrating season for the fly-half, with injuries preventing him from putting together a good run of games.

He ed Racing last summer, g a two-year deal with the Top14 club.

But Racing head coach Stuart Lancaster, who signed Farrell, was dismissed in February.

And according to reports, Farrell may now be heading back to the Premiership sooner than expected.

He is said to be keen on re-ing Saracens, and the Mail has now reported that talks have opened between the two clubs.

💫 Mark McCall declined to comment on reports that former club captain and England fly-half Owen Farrell could be eyeing a Premiership return.#GallagherPrem | #PremRugbyhttps://t.co/rjisn8PKj3

— The Rugby Paper (@TheRugbyPaper) May 29, 2025

Saracens Will Have To Pay Transfer Fee For Owen Farrell

Talks between Racing 92 and Saracens are said to be at a very early stage.

But a key discussion point will be the fee Sarries would need to pay to buy out Farrell’s remaining contract.

With 14 months left on his deal, it is understood that Racing will demand £500,000 to release Farrell early.

This is the same sum that Racing paid Saracens to secure Farrell’s from the Premiership club.

It is believed that while Farrell had been happy to stay in Paris for another year, the physical demands of the Top14 have taken their toll on his body.

But with Racing holding out for a half-million pound fee, there is a major stumbling block in any negotiations.

🗣️ "Farrell’s situation is a different story, though, as no Premiership club is likely to pay the €500,000 (£420,000) transfer fee which Racing are reportedly demanding."

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Owen Farrell's Saracens return could be put on hold. #GallagherPrem https://t.co/jR0Wm6A9wW

— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) May 30, 2025

How Much Does Owen Farrell Earn At Racing 92?

Owen Farrell has made a career out of battling adversity. This ‘never-say-quit’ attitude has been a cornerstone of his identity, both on and off the field.

For this reason, there has been no shortness of guilt from Farrell about his lack of game time at Racing.

With a salary in the region of £1 million per year, making him one of the highest paid rugby players ever.

But fitness issues have plagued Farrell all season, and the possibility of a player-coach role at his former club is a tempting idea.

In recent weeks, it was also reported that Leicester Tigers were interested in Farrell.

The Tigers are in need of a new fly-half to replace double World Cup winner Handre Pollard, who is returning to South Africa.

But it is believed Leicester’s interest has cooled, with former Australia star James O’Connor also a potential target.

Saracens Head Coach Mark McCall Downplays Owen Farrell Rumours

Speaking to the Mail, Saracens boss Mark McCall was coy about a possible Owen Farrell return.

However, he did acknowledge that a coaching role would suit Farrell.

Owen’s father, Andy Farrell, is the current Ireland head coach and will lead the British and Irish Lions squad heading to Australia next month.

McCall said: ‘There are so many of these stories that come out. There is no point talking about something that is so pie in the sky. It’s better for me not to comment.

“I’d be very surprised if he (Farrell) didn’t commit to coaching. Rugby is in his skin.

“He’s got a great IQ and a love for it, like his dad.

“He’s a player for now and has 14 months left on his contract with Racing. As far as I know, he’s under contract at Racing and has a year left.”

Why Isn’t Owen Farrell Playing For England?

With 1,237 points, Owen Farrell is England’s all-time record scorer, suring even the great Jonny Wilkinson.

He has won 112 England caps since making his debut as a 20-year-old in 2012.

But he has not worn the red rose since the 2023 World Cup, when England lost to holders and eventual winners South Africa in the semi-finals.

This is what Racing 92 can expect from their new fly-half, Owen Farrell 👀#RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/SwOojbRNrX

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) January 23, 2024

There are several reason for this. Following a period of Farrell receiving vile personal abuse on social media, he took the decision to step away from England duty.

This was a key factor in his move to , with Farrell saying he wanted to ‘focus on enjoying his rugby again’.

With England’s policy of not selecting overseas-based players, ing Racing 92 in the Top14 meant Farrell is currently ineligible for the national side.

But should he return to the Premiership – be it with Saracens or Leicester – he would again be available for selection.

At 33, he is far from too old for international rugby. But the question remains whether he would want to put himself back under the spotlight of test rugby.

And even if he does, there is no guarantee he’d be selected, given the emergence of Northampton star Fin Smith at England’s starting number 10.