5 superstars who can return to their former clubs in 2022

#3 Declan Rice to Chelsea

Rice is now a regular in the England national team

Currently plying his trade at the London Stadium with West Ham United, Declan Rice has been sensational for the Hammers ever since he broke into their senior squad in 2017. The industrious midfielder has gone on to thoroughly impress the football fraternity in the four years since, solidifying his place in the England national team under Gareth Southgate too.

As a result, the talented youngster has attracted multiple elite-level suitors, with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea constantly keeping tabs on his whereabouts. The Blues, in particular, have shown keen interest in acquiring their former player's signature. They are reportedly preparing an offer in the region of €70 million to lure Rice to Stamford Bridge.

Despite having the evergreen N'Golo Kante on their books, the Blues have been constantly linked with a move for their talented former academy star. Even though Frank Lampard's dismissal has affected the intensity of the rumors, they are expected to surge once again when the transfer window reopens next year.

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#2 Eden Hazard to Chelsea

RCD Espanyol v Real Madrid CF - La Liga Santander

A successive Chelsea-related entry, Eden Hazard is reportedly eyeing to put an end to his nightmare in Madrid by securing a move back to Stamford Bridge. Unlike Rice, the Belgian forward has experienced a calamitous downfall following a move away from the Blues, with Hazard struggling to make a mark at the Bernabeu.

Following a record-shattering €115 million transfer to Real Madrid in 2019, he has failed to set the world alight, making just 52 appearances with the club in two years. Touted to be Cristiano Ronaldo's true heir at the Bernabeu, Hazard is yet to break into double digits in either the goal or assist department.

With just 14 goal involvements and a career-low market valuation of €25 million, Hazard has hit rock bottom with Real Madrid. Persistent injury problems and inconsistent form have robbed him of what was supposed to be the prime of his career. In such a dire situation, rumors have surfaced about a possible return to Chelsea in 2022. It will be interesting to see what unfolds for Hazard next.

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#1 Dani Olmo to Barcelona

Olmo was briefly contracted to Barcleona's youth setup

Having crippled themselves financially due to their reckless spending, Barcelona failed to materialize any transfer in excess of €15 million this year. Emerson Royal, their only non-free permanent signing of the season, was also sold to Tottenham Hotspur to recoup €25 million and aid the Blaugrana in their rebuild.

Despite their monetary restrictions, Barcelona have reportedly been able to free up their purse to make some crucial signings next year. And former academy graduate Dani Olmo seems to be appearing at the top of their shopping list. The Spaniard has been strongly linked with a return to Catalonia in 2022.

After impressing with Dinamo Zagreb, Olmo successfully secured a €22 million transfer to RB Leipzig in 2020. The gifted attacker has since been directly involved in 26 goals scored by Die Roten Bullen, making 64 appearances along the way. If Barcelona are somehow able to pull off this unlikely miracle in 2022, they will acquire a seasoned offensive threat with immense potential in the form of Olmo.

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