Where will Gareth Bale play after Real Madrid? MLS, Premier League...
As Gareth Bale’s Real Madrid spell comes to an end, we look at where his future may lie.
Gareth Bale’s time at Real Madrid has come to an end. On Wednesday, the Welshman wrote a letter to Madrid and the club’s fans, thanking them for all the support he received in his nine-year spell at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Bale’s contract at Madrid officially ends on 30 June. At 32, he still has time on his side and wants to play in this year’s World Cup, if Wales qualify. Wales will play the winner of Scotland and Ukraine for a place in Qatar.
Cardiff a possible destination
The Athletic previously reported that Bale could join Cardiff City or Swansea City as he looks to stay fit ahead of the World Cup.
Bale is from Cardiff but has never played for the club. Cardiff boss Steve Morison recently revealed that Bale told him to make sure they beat Swansea City in the most recent South Wales Derby.
Both sides are currently competing in the Championship, one of the most demanding leagues in the world, but even a six-month deal would take Bale to the World Cup, provided he can avoid more injuries and Wales beat Scotland or Ukraine to get there.
The Wales captain would have to take a huge paycut to join a Championship side, having been one of the highest earners at Madrid.
MLS move
MLS football could also be on the cards for Bale as the league continues to find ways to grow its brand. DC United have reportedly expressed their interest in the forward and have already been in talks with Bale’s representatives.
In 2020-21, Bale spent some time on loan with his former club Tottenham Hotspur, although it is unlikely he will return to Spurs under Antonio Conte, who has added Ivan Perisic to his left wing department.
Five Champions Leagues
Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Liverpool last Saturday saw Bale collect his fifth Champions League winners medal.
His spell in Madrid has been affected by injury, but the list of titles won in the Spanish capital demonstrates the level of success achieved in under a decade with Los Blancos.
Bale was applauded by the Santiago Bernabéu as he waved goodbye at the club’s Champions League celebrations over the weekend.
It remains to be seen where he will ply his trade next season. Early retirement would not be a major surprise either, given his injury record.