As rumors grow that Gareth Bale may finally leave Real Madrid, it’s time to check out where the bookmakers think he’ll end up next.
It’s no secret that Bale’s relationship with Real Madrid has been broken for quite some time now. Both player and club acknowledge it’s time to move on, opening the door towards a potential move in the current transfer window.
The significant obstacle holding the divorce proceedings back in the Spanish capital is Bale’s reluctance for a pay cut. He’d ideally like to hold on or enjoy a similar income elsewhere, leaving hopes of a possible exit in doubt.
Several clubs, including Manchester United, have expressed an interest in the past and more recently. But in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, their finances are more restricted than ever, meaning Bale will have to make concessions.
He has a decision to make this summer on what the priority should be – a nice weekly income or the opportunity to stop being laid to waste on the Real Madrid bench.
The latter of the two options appears the most likely, with the 31-year-old anxious to be at full fitness for Wales’ European campaign next summer. So, in light of this development, Sky Bet on Oddschecker has laid out his most probable options.
Leading the chase, to nobody’s surprise, is Manchester United with a price of 2/1. Tottenham are also in the mix, as is Everton who are coached by Gareth’s former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.
The 10 frontrunners to sign Bale in the current transfer window
| Pos | Club | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester United | 2/1 |
| 2 | Tottenham | 9/4 |
| 3 | MLS | 25/1 |
| 4 | Everton | 25/1 |
| 5 | PSG | 25/1 |
| 6 | Any Chinese club | 28/1 |
| 7 | Juventus | 40/1 |
| 8 | Arsenal | 40/1 |
| 9 | AC Milan | 40/1 |
| 10 | Inter Milan | 40/1 |
Why it might be worth a chance for Manchester United
It’s almost a foregone conclusion that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer won’t be welcoming Jadon Sancho to Old Trafford. Borussia Dortmund have no intention of parting with the winger and, unless United match the alleged asking price of €118m, their stance won’t change.
So why shouldn’t the Red Devils give signing Bale some thought? The club’s history of signing expensive flops in the Glazer-era is hard to ignore, and it would be enough to make any fan weary.
High-profile names such as Angel Di Maria, Alexis Sanchez, and Memphis Depay have all arrived on big-money deals in the past and flopped. Not helping matters is Gareth’s terrible injury record over the last couple of seasons.
But if the United board can resolve the issue over his €15m post-tax annual salary, Bale may be worth a chance on loan for this season.
🙏 Possible Premier League return
🇪🇸 Real Madrid 'in control' of future
❌ Failed move last summerGareth Bale speaks exclusively to Sky Sports News about his future at Real Madrid – watch more on the Transfer Show now on Sky Sports News 👇 pic.twitter.com/YP4y2s08bq
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 2, 2020
The Times revealed on Tuesday that the four-time Champions League winner is open to the idea of joining Solskjaer’s side on loan. He wants regular football in a bid to return to peak condition for Wales next summer.
A return to England may also prompt a return to form for Bale that, in turn, could result in a brilliant piece of business for United. If Solskjaer can unleash life into him down the right flank, he could be richly rewarded as a result.
That, on top of Bale’s vast experience of competing and winning the biggest club competitions in Europe, could prove a valuable aid for the Norwegian’s young squad as they bid to end a three-year wait for silverware.
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Inter Milan
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
