LIST | 5 teams Maro Itoje could join on loan next season

Could it be that Saracens supporters have sung this ode to their superstar for the final time for a while?

Maro Itoje has stepped up over the past couple of seasons to become arguably the best player in the world, and his performances have been so influential that life without him must seem pretty stark for Sarries.

The reigning top-flight champions will drop into the Championship at the end of the current campaign after being automatically demoted for salary cap breaches.

And with the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa penciled in for next summer, the second-row has been hunting for a temporary move away.

But which teams could realistically afford to sign Itoje, and who are the most likely to lure him away from Allianz Park?

A controversial plan to allow England’s second-row to play in France next season while still being available for the national team has sparked a major row between England’s leading clubs and the Rugby Football Union.

Itoje had been offered a seven-figure sum to join the top French side Racing 92 on loan

Despite Eddie Jones and other senior Twickenham officials hoping Itoje’s proposed switch would be approved, the idea was initially vetoed by other Premiership club owners.

However, it's reported that Itoje may push once again to get his move to the French capital in the coming weeks.

Realistically, there aren't many options for Itoje to choose from within the bubble of the Gallagher Premiership. 

It would be silly of the Exiles, who are searching for a marquee signing ahead of their stadium move to Brentford FC's new Community Stadium, not explore a loan move for the England powerhouse.

This would benefit the second-row as he could remain in London and would benefit the Exiles both on and off the pitch as the lock would definitely put bums in seats.

Something a bit different.

Ireland international Devin Toner's confirmed departure could give Itoje the opportunity to play regularly in a quality team, which would see him link up with probable Lions teammate James Ryan in the second-row.

This move is pretty unlikely, but it would be incredible to watch.

Although it may seem unlikely that Itoje would move to Sarries' fierce local rivals, Quins are one of the clubs on paper who still have money to spend for next season, with £350k per season Chris Robshaw to depart in the summer.

The forward maestro could be the missing piece in the jigsaw to turn Quins into genuine Gallagher Premiership contenders

The three-time European champions have not reached their usual heights in recent years, but their flamboyant and devastating displays in early 2020 suggest they're on the way back. The team is star-studded with brilliant rugby stars up and down the field, and the cohesion and style has returned to its fluid best.

Also, Eben Etzebeth and Itoje teaming up in the second-row. It's a terrifying thought. The summer signing of Itoje would undoubtedly end the Top 14 title race before it had even started.