Real Madrid has hinted they are ready to make Gareth Bale their franchise player next season especially after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Bale scored twice as Los Blancos defended their UEFA Champions League title against Liverpool. The Welshman had been used sparingly by Zinedine Zidane and all looked to edging away from the capital club.
Now he may be the star player for Madrid. Positive talks with the club’s new coach Julen Lopetegui seems to have convinced the forward to remain with Madrid. Lopetegui plans to deploy him play alongside Karim Benzema up front.
Marca reported that Madrid hierarchy held fruitful talks with Bale where he was informed of his potential new role in the 2018/19 season.
“Because there is not a single footballer in the squad with his potential and because he is the only player able to fill, in part, the gap left by Ronaldo at the marketing level. Bale is happy to take on the challenge and is also convinced that he can offer his best version if Lopetegui gives him confidence,” the text continues as was reported by the outlet.
The confusion on Bale’s future seems now settled and it is now a matter of wait and see whether Madrid will sign another star player again.
Manchester United have no chance of signing Real Madrid star Gareth Bale this summer because they can’t afford his wages, according to his former Wales team-mate Craig Bellamy.
“Where could he go?” he exclusively told Starsport, when asked about Bale’s future.
“Man United can’t pay his wages, nobody can. There’s only one club that can pay his wages.
“That’s the world he’s in at this moment. The wages he is he’ll have to take a massive wage cut to go elsewhere.”
Bale’s future remains somewhat unclear at the Bernabeu following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Juventus.
United boss Jose Mourinho is still looking to add at least two more players to his squad before the transfer window shuts.
And the Portuguese could even make a statement signing
BBC Sport journalist Bill Rice says: “The arrival of Brazilian midfielder Fred gives United added steel and grit in midfield, and should allow Paul Pogba to flourish further upfield on his return from a successful World Cup, while teenage full-back Diogo Dalot’s arrival led to Daley Blind’s departure after just four Premier League starts last season.
“A commanding central defender and another hardworking wide player are the areas manager Jose Mourinho will look to strengthen, with Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld and Chelsea’s Willian among the names in the frame.
“Don’t rule out a statement signing too, United – having opted not to pursue re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo nine years after he left the club for Spain – would surely be near the front of the queue if Gareth Bale also decides to leave Real Madrid this summer.”