Another Real Madrid game yesterday, another game Gareth Bale started on the bench.
But this wasn’t just another game; this was the second leg of the Champions League semifinals. For Real Madrid, this was the most important game of the season. It’s the only trophy they still have a chance to win. The fact Gareth Bale started this game on the bench and didn’t even play at all in the first leg is telling. It’s telling no matter what Zinedine Zidane tells you.
Zinedine Zidane has been defiant when questioned about Gareth Bale’s future, even going as far as to say that he feels Bale will still be at Real Madrid next season. But, like the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words.
Cristiano Ronaldo with Gareth Bale on Tuesday. Photo: @TheCristianoFan | Twitter
While Bale was injured for much of last season, this season he has been healthier. Yet he has only started 17 LaLiga games all season and he has only played in six Champions League games. Including yesterday’s 25-minute cameo appearance. So, if Bale is indeed on the wane and on his way out at Madrid, just where could he end up?
Back to the EPL?
For English soccer romantics, the ideal scenario would be for Bale to return to the Premier League. Although, the club he would fit with best isn’t as clear as it was a couple of years ago. While Manchester United has always been linked with Bale ever since he moved to Madrid in 2013, the Red Devils are pretty well stocked on Bale’s favored wing positions. Not only do they have the young guns of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, who hardly get any playing time themselves, they just shelled out a fortune to bring in Alexis Sanchez in January. Suddenly, Bale’s predestined move to succeed Ryan Giggs as United’s new Welsh Wizard doesn’t seem so destined anymore.
What about across the street at the noisy neighbors and English champion Manchester City? Crazier things have happened and it was well known Pep Guardiola was looking to upgrade on the wings, with both failed moves for Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez and the aforementioned Alexis Sanchez hampering Guardiola’s plans for an upgrade. If he can stay fit through the end of this season and the summer, Guardiola could be tempted to test his old rival Real’s resolve.
Chelsea and Liverpool have also been touted as possible destinations. Chelsea could be a fit, although a lack of Champions League football, with Chelsea currently trailing fourth place Tottenham by five points, could dissuade Bale’s enthusiasm. Liverpool’s lack of any realistic interest could be summed up with two words: Mo Salah. Bale’s old club Tottenham would perhaps be the English romantic’s ideal fit, but they’d struggle to be able to match his wage demands.
Bayern Munich?
The German champion has emerged as a potential suitor for Bale and he has even flirted back saying, it is an honour for everyone to be linked with them. It could make sense considering Bayern eventually needs to replace the aging Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery. So, time will tell if the Bavarian’s Bale bond is indeed genuine this summer.
Whatever happens, one thing that we cannot deny is: Things just aren’t what they used to be for Gareth Bale at Real Madrid.
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