The 30-year-old forward appears destined to leave Real Madrid this summer, but where might he end up?
While Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has said that he is content that Gareth Bale is part of his squad, he also claimed that the former Tottenham star did not want to come on during the team’s 3-1 ICC defeat at the hands of Bayern Munich.
Agent Jonathan Barnett has labelled Zidane “a disgrace” over his handling of the 30-year-old but has claimed that Bale will not depart Santiago Bernabeu on loan.
As such, rumours are swirling as to where he could end up when the transfer window finally closes.
Here are 10 possibilities:
Getty ImagesManchester United
Bale has long been considered a target for the Red Devils, who need to add an extra layer of world-class talent to an attack that was too often found misfiring last season.
With the Old Trafford outfit having instigated a policy this summer that has seen them focus on signing British players – Aaron Wan Bissaka and Daniel James have already joined up – the Welshman could be considered an attractive option by the Old Trafford side.
AdvertisementOli ScarffLiverpool
Last term, Liverpool leaned heavily on the attacking talents of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino. Jurgen Klopp could have a problem this season, though: all three have been heavily involved on international duty deep into the summer and will surely not start the campaign firing on all cylinders.
The Reds could use some additional depth going forward and with the riches they plundered in winning the Champions League, perhaps they could seek to lure Bale. This is, however, a very long shot.
GettyParis Saint-Germain
It has been made very public that Neymar is unhappy at Paris Saint-Germain and wants a way out. Real Madrid could be an attractive option to the Brazilian.
Los Blancos, constrained by Financial Fair Play, will have to look for creative ways in order to sign the player and one of those could be a part-exchange deal that involved Bale. Indeed, this has already been mooted in the Spanish press. PSG, however, are adamant that they will accept only cash.
Getty ImagesChinese Super League
Could Bale make his way to the Chinese Super League? With riches to be found in the Far East, it could be a tempting offer for the wide man, though he will still surely feel that he has something to prove in Europe after being unceremoniously pushed to the sidelines at the Bernabeu.
Nevertheless, there is bound to be interest from the CSL, which is a league that is constantly seeking to increase its profile.