Michael Bridge has claimed that Aston Villa transfer target Gareth Bale won’t join Tottenham Hotspur this summer, as he told Sky Sports News (22/06/22 at 5:05 pm).
The Sky reporter added that a decision on Bale’s future will be made ‘within the next week’, with several teams keen on his talents, including the likes of Villa and Newcastle.
There was the possibility that he could return to Tottenham colours, with his contract at Real Madrid officially coming to an end this month.
Whilst Bale donned the Spurs colours for a second time, just before Euro 2020, it’s not a case of third time lucky ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Nonetheless, this was the lowdown Bridge provided on Bale’s future, how retirement hasn’t been ruled out and how he could return to his hometown club of Cardiff City.
“Talks, yes he visited their (Cardiff’s) training ground,” said Bridge. “What we can say is that Cardiff are just one of a number of clubs interested in securing the services of Gareth Bale.
“Bale is still one of the biggest names in European football. He has had a few injury problems, but he said a few weeks ago ‘no, I was fit last season, just Real Madrid didn’t play me’.
“We are told no move to any club is close. He will go on his second holiday and we expect him to make a decision within the next week. He has a number of options to mull over.
“I am told no (to Tottenham return). The Tottenham fans absolutely love him. There was early talk ‘let’s do it a third and final time’.
“Someone also said to me that ‘Bale could potentially retire after the World Cup’. And he would have considered retiring if Wales didn’t qualify for the World Cup and that hasn’t been denied. You would have to think that rules out a club like Tottenham.”
JOINING CARDIFF OR A PREMIER LEAGUE MOVE?
For Cardiff City, it would be some move for the Championship side if they managed to get a player of Bale’s experience, qualities and goal threat on board.
Former Bluebirds player Danny Gabidon stated that the 32-year-old has been ‘world-class for so long’ and he was hoping he might join Cardiff.
Well, a lot of it does depend on whether Bale hangs up his boots once the 2022 World Cup comes to a close because if he does, then Premier League sides might just shy away.
Aston Villa are looking for those proven performers this summer, as they aim to make a return to Europe, but if Bale is going to be at the club for only a few months, then there is no point in signing him.
For a club like Cardiff, in England’s second-tier, those few months could be the world of difference, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if he heads back to his hometown.
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