We’re tracking the Gareth Bale transfer odds to see where the Wales winger is likely to end up as he seeks to stay fit for World Cup duty.
Retirement was considered a possibility for the 32-year-old after leaving Real Madrid, but he now needs to remain in shape ahead of Qatar 2022.
With five Champions League triumphs on his CV, there will be no shortage of suitors regarding a short-term deal and here are the favourites to swoop before September 2:
CARDIFF @ 1.4
The Bluebirds finished a lowly 18th in the Championship last season but Bale may still see his hometown club as a nice fit. His agent Jonathan Barnett revealed in a recent interview that “what Gareth does next is not about money”, while Wales manager Robert Page said the idea of his captain joining Cardiff “ticks all the boxes” and “makes a lot of sense”. Bale himself commented: “I don’t really know if the standard makes too much of a difference. A football game is a football game. I feel like I’ll never really lose my quality on the ball. I need time to think what’s the best move for me, my family, my kids, and hopefully we’ll sort that over the summer. I have options.”
GETAFE @ 3.5
Following the end of his nine-year stay at Real Madrid, there was some speculation that Bale could stay in the Spanish capital with the Azulones. Getafe owner Angel Torres stated at an event to launch next season’s kits: “People might take it as a joke but about 45, 50 minutes ago, I spoke to his representative and they have offered him to us.” However, when Bale was asked about those comments and if he knew where he would switch to, he replied with a laugh: “No, but I’m not going to Getafe, that’s for sure.”
NEWCASTLE @ 8.0
Money might not be the main thing on Bale’s mind regarding this decision but the Magpies could certainly make him a tempting financial offer after last season’s buy-out by mega-rich owners from Saudi Arabia. Newcastle finished last season with six wins out of eight to secure 11th place in the Premier League and Bale would fit in well with the attacking football favoured by manager Eddie Howe.
ANY MLS TEAM @ 9.0
Logistically, this makes lots of sense, as the MLS season is at the halfway stage and will run to a natural conclusion in time for the World Cup. Wales are in a group with England, Iran and the United States, so this could even be a useful spying mission. Bale’s love of golf would also be well served by America’s many outstanding courses.
TOTTENHAM @ 17.0
Bale rose to fame during six seasons with Spurs, being named the club’s young player of the year twice before landing the senior award in his final campaign. However, Antonio Conte’s tough training methods may put a strain on the winger’s body, plus he wouldn’t be guaranteed a regular starting role. Bale has said: “I want to be playing going into the World Cup to be as fit as I can. Once I play regular football, my body will get more robust and better. It’s very difficult when you’re in and out of a team. I need to play games and I’ll be good to go.”
SOUTHAMPTON @ 26.0
As a teenager, Bale was named the Football League Young Player of the Year following his first full season in the Saints side in 2006-07. The Southampton academy graduate will have fond memories of his time at St Mary’s Stadium and Ralph Hasenhuttl is another coach keen to get the ball forward, so this could still be a lively longshot in the Gareth Bale next club odds.
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