Gareth Bale: Cardiff make move for Real Madrid star

Suraj Radia

Updated: 7 Jun 2022 00:01 BST
3 min read

Real Madrid's Gareth Bale as Wales exit Euro 2020 — © ProShots

Five-time Champions League winner Gareth Bale could be playing in the Championship next season after Cardiff City stepped up plans to sign the former Real Madrid star.

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Bale is a free agent after leaving Madrid and the 32-year-old could return to his hometown after leading his country to the World Cup for the first time in 64 years.

Cardiff chairman Mehmet Dalman has flown into the UK to lead negotiations to sign Bale and the Bluebirds could even make a move for fellow Welsh star Aaron Ramsey.

Bale remained tight-lipped on his future but confirmed he has 'loads' of options and is reportedly open to taking a significant pay cut after his £600,000 a week contract expired at Real.

What does the future hold for Gareth Bale?

Teams may be unconvinced at offering Bale a significant contract, particularly due to concerns over his fitness, having only made 41 league apperances in the past three seasons.

His decline at Real was also partially due to his attitude, with rumours that the player spent more time golfing than training or attempting to integrate with the team.

A host of MLS teams have registered an interest in Bale, while Tottenham have been linked with a return for the player they received a world-record fee for in 2013 and whom they signed on loan again in 2020.

However, with Bale famously endorsing a claim of 'Wales, golf, Madrid, in that order', Cardiff may feel they have the upper hand in bringing the Welshman back home.

Gareth Bale took Wales to the Euros semifinals, took Real Madrid from zero Champions Leagues in 11 years to five Champions Leagues in 8 years, and has just taken Wales to their first World Cup in 64 years. Legend of the game.
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) June 5, 2022

Bale was born in Cardiff however he left for Southampton's academy aged nine and has never played for his boyhood club.

A return to Wales may prove a tempting offer for Bale, with Cardiff offering regular training and game time close to home prior to the World Cup in December.

Although any deal would see Bale playing virtually for free due to the Bluebirds precarious financial position.