According to reports from Spain, as translated and shared by TEAMtalk, it appears that a pretty big transfer claim has come to light involving Tottenham Hotspur and former hero Gareth Bale.
The Lowdown: Bale re-joins for 2020/2021…
The Wales international star, after leaving north London for Real Madrid in a then-world record £85.3 million deal (BBC), went on to enjoy a trophy-laden spell with the Galacticos before re-joining Tottenham on loan last season.
Bale, under former boss Jose Mourinho and his eventual interim replacement Ryan Mason, finished the 2020/2021 Premier League campaign as Spurs’ third-most prolific player in terms of goals and assists combined (11G, 2A).
However, his stay was also marred somewhat by physical issues with Mourinho even calling out the 32-year-old for giving a false depiction of his fitness levels at one stage.
Despite a mixed return, a major claim has come out of Spain involving Bale and another reunion with Spurs under new boss Antonio Conte.
The Latest: Tottenham reach Bale agreement ‘months ago’…
As per sources on the continent, via TEAMtalk, ahead of leaving the Bernabeu this summer when his contract finally expires at the end of June, the forward has already reached an agreement to join Tottenham.
Bale and Spurs apparently had this in place ‘months ago’ – but the former Lilywhites man didn’t come in January as he wanted to run down his current deal at Madrid whilst continuing to collect his bumper pay packet.
The Verdict: Right move?
This is a pretty big claim going by his most recent spell at Tottenham, and despite some bright moments, it’s hard to see him fitting under Conte at N17.
Going by Bale’s recent fitness record, the Italian’s extreme, highly-demanding coaching methods physically could be too much and it’s hard to see him being a regular for that reason.
Scoring a club career total of 183 goals from out wide and further forward, he managed to impress at Euro 2020 for Wales in parts and there is no question he still has quality in abundance.
The point of contention is around application and whether he can be an asset under Conte in the rigorously competitive English top flight.
On a free deal, barring Bale’s potentially large salary, this is a fairly low risk move financially for Tottenham but an arguable gamble in terms of the player’s N17 legacy.
In other news: ‘100 per cent’, ‘Conte will’…Sky pundit says £150,000-per-week star could make ‘shock’ move to Spurs, find out more here.
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