Everton: Toffees fans react to surprise transfer revelation involving Gareth Bale and Leighton Baines

A number of Everton fans have been reacting to a revelation from former Toffees defender Joleon Lescott that David Moyes turned down a swap deal offer involving Gareth Bale and Leighton Baines.

Bale made his return to Tottenham in the summer on a season-long loan from Real Madrid seven years after leaving Spurs, following an excellent 2012/13 season where he registered 21 league goals (Sofascore). The Welshman went on to secure four Champions League titles and two La Liga titles in Madrid.

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The 31-year-old was enduring a difficult spell at the start of his Spurs career, where he failed to win in his first 24 appearances, leading to Everton being offered the chance to bring Bale into the club with Baines potentially heading in the other direction.

However, Lescott confirmed to Sky Sports, via Liverpool Echo, that Moyes decided to turn down the chance to bring in Bale due to the Welshman’s record with Spurs at that stage. While the former Toffees manager also held Baines in high regard and he was a crucial member of their starting line-up.

Everton fans react to missing out on Bale

Some Everton fans pointed out how the Toffees missed out on a ‘different level’ player. Although others were also keen to point out that Baines would have been a major loss and were therefore keen to suggest Moyes made the correct decision.

One could argue that this was an opportunity missed. However, with Harry Redknapp willing to complete a straight swap, it just goes to show that they (Tottenham) had no idea what Gareth Bale was capable of achieving.

— The Toffeeman (@Toffeeman_) October 26, 2020

As good as bale was, he most likely would have left Everton and moved to a bigger club, whereas Baines has been one of the clubs best servants and had multiple chances to leave and never did, and is one of the best left backs the prem has ever seen, true legend 💙

— Matthew Ellison (@matthewellison0) October 26, 2020

I remember going to Spurs v Everton in the 2009/10 season. Bale stood out as being on different level in that game. Much as we love Baines I’m sure most Evertonians would have loved to sign Bale.

— Triggsy (@Triggsy1878) October 26, 2020

In regards to work rate and caring Bainsey is at least worth three Bales

— Der M.C. (@DerMC9) October 26, 2020

I’d still say no

— Ronnie Proffitt (@ronnie_1878) October 26, 2020

I think this was when bale was a left back..and spurs went twenty odd games without winning when he played…

Moyesy was spot on..

— Philip whitehurst (@Toffeewolfie) October 26, 2020