Cristiano Ronaldo’s tax-related headlines and supposed desire to leave Spain have made rumours of a Gareth Bale transfer seem rather petty. It is symbolic of Bale’s time in the Spanish capital really, with the Welshman even in the shadow of the former Manchester United man when it comes to deciding their respective futures.
Bale has suffered another injury-dominated season, with his place in Zinedine Zidane’s line-up doubtful even when fully fit. The belated uprising of Isco and tactical preferences of the French manager have seen Bale cast into a role of galactico outcast.
That is a role fulfilled by some of the sport’s all-time greats. Currently it is James Rodriguez who stakes first claim to it, but Bale could quickly follow into the slot of bench warming square peg. Zidane has shown a willingness to ignore price tags and personality in creating the most efficient – if at times uninteresting – team. That approach keeps Bale away from any preferential treatment, even if he once wore the tag of the world’s most expensive player.
He could, of course, become the most expensive player again should he move this summer. His injuries have clouded his reputation somewhat, but the Welshman has also been the key man in multiple final victories. In fact, his humiliation of Marc Bartra alone is worth £200 million.
The two favourites to make a swoop for Bale this summer are Paris Saint Germain and Manchester United. Both clubs sit at 6/1 currently, reflecting the uncertainty in the market. More will become clear into July and once Real Madrid’s transfer plans are obvious. Jose Mourinho’s side are desperate to make a splash this summer and match the inevitable investment from Manchester City – who are way out at 20/1 to sign Bale.
Where Bale would fit at United is not all that clear, with Juan Mata, Anthony Martial, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Marcus Rashford already jostling for position, while another striker arriving is highly likely. Should they once again go for the show-stopping signing, however, that will be sorted once they’ve enjoyed the publicity of building their very own all-star team.
PSG need to prove to Marco Verratti they can compete with the four European elite sides after the Champions League embarrassment this season and certainly have room for Bale in their own forward line. Whether Bale would be willing to play in the supposedly inferior Ligue 1 is a rather substantial elephant in the betting market, mind.
Chelsea are at longer odds of 8/1 with 888 Sport at the moment. Antonio Conte’s side have greater concerns than adding a forward of Bale’s expense, but the Blues could be lured into a bidding war once the Premier League financial chest-beating kicks off.
For those with a romantic – and highly unrealistic – side, Bale is at 33/1 to return to Tottenham this summer. Given Daniel Levy’s bitterly tight pursestrings and the burden of their stadium move, that transfer has roughly a 0% chance this year.
