‘Fresh start’ awaiting Gareth Bale as Real Madrid winger chooses next step
Real Madrid winger and recent Tottenham loanee Gareth Bale has reportedly decided what his next step will be with one eye on next summer.
The Welshman, 32, has endured mixed fortunes since his blockbuster move to the Bernabeu in 2013. He helped the club secure a remarkable four Champions League trophies in five years, though persistent injury issues have severely restricted his gametime.
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Amid a falling out with former boss Zinedine Zidane, Bale was loaned out to former club Tottenham last season.
Injuries once again played a part. But after rising from the treatment table and being handed a greater role by temporary boss Ryan Mason, Bale finished his spell with a flurry.
Superb displays at Euro 2020 followed, making reports of his rumoured premature retirement all the more startling.
Bale has one year remaining on his current deal at Madrid. But with first team action not guaranteed and his focus seemingly on international football, an early bow from the professional game had been mooted.
However, per Football Espana, Bale has decided to persevere. They state that Bale will seek a ‘fresh start’ at Real under returning manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian was in charge when Bale was acquired back in 2013. As such, a greater role could be forthcoming under a manager who got the best out of the forward.
Entering his final contracted year, the article speculates a successful season would be the perfect opportunity to put himself in the shop window over a potentially lucrative free agent move next summer.
Striker price slash could tempt Tottenham
Meanwhile, Napoli have lowered their asking price for Tottenham target Lorenzo Insigne – but three options remain for the winger, according to reports in Italy.
Corriere Dello Sport point to three possible outcomes for Insigne’s future with just one year remaining on his contract. First, all parties could find a compromise so he can sign a new deal. Alternatively, he could stay at the club and leave on a free transfer next summer.
But the last option would be for him to leave Napoli permanently for the first time in his career. In doing so, he may end up in the Premier League.
Insigne is one of several Serie A players to be linked with a move to Tottenham following their appointment of Fabio Paratici as managing director. The ex-Juventus decision maker is looking at a market he knows well in order to bolster Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad.
Despite his stock still being high, his price tag appears to be decreasing. When it was recently claimed that Insigne had an offer from Spurs, there were rumours of a €48m fee. In contrast, Corriere Dello Sport speculate that a deal could be done for around €30m.
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