Bale’s future hinges on Wales World Cup hopes
Robin Bairner
- 7 Jan 2022 17:47 GMT
- 5 min read
Gareth Bale is set to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, but what happens in his career thereafter will be dictated by Wales’ success or failure in the attempts to qualify for the World Cup.
After finishing second in their qualifying group, Ryan Giggs’ side will face Austria in a playoff semi-final on 24 March and then a clash against Scotland or Ukraine on 29 March should the win. Both matches would be in Cardiff.
These games are set to be pivotal in Bale’s future.
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Although only 32, Bale could hang up his boots should his national team fail to reach Qatar 2022, according to The Athletic.
Meanwhile, he would continue his professional career into the 2022/23 season in a bid to play in the World Cup, which will begin in November.
Will Bale renew with Real Madrid?
Bale is not in contract talks with Real Madrid and there are not discussions over a new deal on the table.
The former Southampton and Tottenham star has been with the Spanish club for nine years, much of which has been roller-coaster.
His commitment to the Bernabeu side’s cause has regularly been put under question, with a widespread belief in Spain that Bale has prioritised his golf and the national team over the club that pays his substantial wages.
Indeed, Bale has been increasingly peripheral at Real Madrid in recent seasons, even spending last term on loan at Spurs.
He has played only three matches this season, infuriating his employers when he sustained an injury on international duty in November when he had been declared unfit by his club.
Where does his future lie?
According to The Athletic, should Wales qualify for the World Cup, he will sign for a club, though it is unlikely to be one at the very top level.
Just who will be interested in a player whose motivation is simply to play in an international competition in the middle of the season, though, is unclear.
Tottenham and Southampton are teams that will doubtless be linked with Bale, whose time at Real Madrid is rapidly ticking to an end.
