Bayern Munich are reportedly weighing up a summer move for Gareth Bale, whose stint at Real Madrid looks to be coming to an end.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Don Balon, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is looking to negotiate a transfer for one of his club’s beleaguered stars in the summer transfer window. Gareth Bale’s time at the Bernabeu is set to come to an end, and Bayern Munich are interested in snapping him up.
Bale arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2013, widely regarded as a future Ballon d’Or winner and the player to take over from Cristiano Ronaldo as Los Blancos’ talisman. The player did make a strong start to his stint at the Bernabeu, establishing himself as a key player for the La Liga heavyweights.
But, the last couple of seasons have been blighted by a spate of injuries that have not just restricted his appearances, but also reduced him into a bit-part player. Bale has even gone below the likes of Lucas Vazquez, Marcos Asensio and Isco in the pecking order, and he has also come under attack from former Real Madrid president Jorge Valdano for not being worthy of his price tag.
Unsurprisingly, the player’s future at Real Madrid is shrouded under a cloud, and he is heavily linked with a move away from the Bernabeu. Manchester United have been linked the most heavily with Bale in recent months, but the Red Devils seem to have ended their interest in him, with Bayern Munich instead emerging in his pursuit.
Die Roten have been a rejuvenated side under Jupp Heynckes, who has brought the best out of every department on the pitch. But, incoming manager Niko Kovac will inherit an ageing squad when he officially becomes the Bayern Munich manager, with attack one area that might be in need of an overhaul.
Two of the pillars of Bayern’s success over the last decade or so – Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery – are no spring chickens anymore at 34 and 35, respectively. While the Bavarians already have Ribery’s replacement in tow in Kingsley Coman, they need a player who can assume charge on the right flank in Robben’s stead.
Bale is, thus, a viable target, who still has every bit the quality that saw Real Madrid break the bank for him five years ago. If he manages to remain injury free, he could be a sound investment for Bayern, despite the price that Los Blancos are set to quote for him.
The report suggests that Real Madrid want to recoup the €100 million they paid for him. While the figure could prove to be a hindrance in Bayern’s pursuit of the player, it is believed that the European champions are willing to negotiate to reach a deal with the Germans.
It now remains to be seen if Bayern and Real are able to come to an agreement over a transfer fee for Bale, who is set to depart from the Bernabeu when the summer transfer window opens in July.
