Manchester United: Gareth Bale transfer still on next summer?
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale since he first burst on to the scene with Tottenham. However, if The Sun’s reports are to be trusted, United will finally have their opportunity to sign the mercurial winger next summer.
It’s no secret that United boss Jose Mourinho is a long-time admirer of the Welshman, and he even spoke of the possibility of trying to gain his signature if he isn’t in Los Blancos plans.
“I haven’t even thought about the possibility. If he’s (Bale) not in the club plans – that what you are writing is true – with the arrival of another player, then we’ll try to wait for him on the other side and fight with other coaches,” he said.
Bale has been a controversial figure at the Santiago Bernabéu. When he first arrived he was a hero. Scoring the winning goal in the 2014 Champions League final and this magnificent winner against Barcelona in the Copa del Ray final.
Despite the goals, Bale has had issues adapting to life in Spain. He hasn’t always meshed with teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and his chronic injuries have become a serious issue.
With the former Tottenham man often sidelined with injury, Isco has stepped up to fill the 28-year old’s role on the right-wing — and some may argue the team plays better with Isco in the side.
Along with Isco, Marco Asensio’s rise has just further increased the competition in the Madrid side, leading to speculation that Bale could be free to leave next summer.
The Sun reports that Bale is unsettled in Madrid. After futher injury setbacks and repeatedly being whistled by home fans, the door could be open for Bale to depart next summer.
The Red Devils would be amongst the favorite to land the then 29-year old — but would it be a smart move?
A reported £90m asking fee is what would be required for Bale’s signature. Quite a hefty price for a player who has missed nearly half the games for Real in the past three seasons.
Bale would be sensational for United — if this was four of five years ago.
But £90m for an injury prone 29-year old may be too much to ask for, despite how much Mourinho admires him.
Mourinho has repeatedly stated his desire to bring in a winger this past transfer window — but that move failed to materialize.
United have all the wingers needed at the moment, and the future is bright if they continue to develop the promising talent currently possessed by the club.
The arrival of Bale would increase competition, which, true, isn’t a bad thing. However, when you have Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford, both of whom are amongst the brightest talents in Europe, they need consistent game time to help them reach their peak.
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Certainly Bale would take Manchester United’s attack to the next level, but at age 29, and a bad history of injuries, this is a £90m move the club should shy away from.