signing of Gareth bale

Signing of Gareth Bale

The return to Real Madrid of Zinedine Zidane which follows terrible appointments by the club over the past year, means that Gareth Bale’s career in Spain is effectively over.The Frenchman revealed after their final game of the season that he wouldn’t have used the Welshman even if he had a fourth substitute to use. It has been a fall from grace for the former Tottenham Ho intspur man, who could return to the Premier League.

Manchester United

When a high-profile player becomes available, the first club that is normally mentioned in England is Manchester United.

In many ways, United fans might well be more excited by the signing of Daniel James than they would be for a move for Bale.

The recruit from Swansea represents, potentially, a shift in focus from established stars like Angel Di Maria and Alexis Sanchez to players who have the talent but also the hunger to play for the shirt.

However, Ed Woodward has a clear track record of signing big name players who will sell shirts and enthuse potential investors – if Bale were to make the move, it would give him an opportunity to resurrect not only United, but also his own career.

Tottenham Hotspur

Daniel Levy hasn’t opened his cheque book for a player transfer in over a year now.

Bringing in a real or genuine star, especially somebody who fans already know and love, could lift the place and bring further to excitement to this new era at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Of course, Levy is one of the savviest owners and would not splash the cash unless he knew it would benefit the club.

He would also need assurances that Mauricio Pochettino big on high energy pressing would want an injury-prone 29-year-old.

In 2018-19, injuries had been a critical factor which derailed any hopes Spurs had of a push for the title; they lack quality beyond their first XI, in comparison with Liverpool and Manchester City, so it is credit to Pochettino that they were so competitive and reached a Champions League Final.

Bale would be a fantastic player to rotate with Heung Min-Son or Lucas Moura should either need a rest. However, should the Welshman find the form that made Madrid pay for his services, then perhaps Spurs could be in contention for further honours.

Chelsea

Bale wearing a Chelsea shirt would cause nightmares for Spurs fans but, with Eden Hazard having left for Real Madrid, it could be a likely destination should the Blues avoid a transfer ban.

It would be a like for like replacement with Bale stepping straight into the position left by the Belgian, tasked with providing moments of individual quality to drag the team through games.

The Welshman would likely start every week for the Londoners, who are now short on quality wide forward options with Callum Hudson-Odoi on the treatment table plus Pedro and Willian’s days looking numbered.

Should he get fit and start well, then it would seem that Stamford Bridge is likely to be the best place for him to flourish; he will get chances and Chelsea already play in a forward three system that he has become accustomed to at Madrid.