Has Gareth Bale agreed to join Cardiff City?
The former Real Madrid winger was at Cardiff’s training ground on Wednesday to speak to manager Steve Morison and will announce a decision soon.
Gareth Bale appeared to move a step closer to joining Championship side Cardiff City on Wednesday when the former Real Madrid winger visited the club’s training complex and spoke to the Welsh side’s manager, Steve Morison. Several local media outlets reported that the Wales captain’s representatives are in talks with the second-tier side about a deal, with Bale’s main priority being to maintain form and fitness ahead of the World Cup in November.
A short-term deal seems the most likely option for both club and player, with Bale becoming a free agent when his Real Madrid contract expires on 30 June. The 32-year-old had been on holiday with his family after helping his country to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 62 years and on his return reported to the Wales FA headquarters for physiotherapy sessions. Bale’s arrival at Cardiff’s training ground caused a ripple of excitement among first-team players, who are back in training ahead of the 2022-23 season. According to Wales Online, Bale has intimated he will give Cardiff a decision over the coming days.
Bale looking to fine-tune for the World Cup
Cardiff have emerged as one of Bale’s most attractive options. The Wales captain was born and raised in the city and the Championship is a hugely competitive and physical division that will help him to fine-tune for the World Cup. Bale had previously been linked with a move to Madrid top-flight side Getafe but said he would not be heading to the Coliseum in a recent press conference. MLS side DC United were also credited with an interest but Bale wold prefer not to uproot his family from Madrid. A second return to Spurs, where he spent the 2020-21 season on loan, has also been ruled out.