Gareth Bale Next Club Odds: A return to English football is on the cards for the Welsh Wizard

Wales. Golf. Madrid. That’s been the case for a few years for Gareth Bale when it comes to his career, but it seems that’s all about to change.

The Welshman is finally set to leave Real Madrid this summer, putting to end a ridiculous wage, a barrage of trophies, a time filled with iconic moments, and enough negative headlines to fill War and Peace twice over. From Champions League Final winners, to that goal against Barcelona, Bale has shone at times over in Spain, but he hasn’t come without his challenges. A struggle to stay fit and a question over his attitude and desire has always remained throughout his time there, but as his performance for Wales against Austria showed, he’s still the man for the big occasion.

So the question remains, where will he go? We’ve taken a look at the odds, courtesy of Paddy Power…

Tottenham: 5/2

It’s a bit deja vu this, isn’t it? The fairytale return (again), where the prodigal son returns home to bring success to a club that’s craving it so much. 18 goals and assists in 34 games in all competitions, including 11 goals in the Premier League is a decent return for someone who practically had to start pre-season two months after everyone else.

Bale’s first stint at Spurs was a memorable one, with stunning goals galore, those famous runs he became known for, and a few individual awards to go with it. But, unfortunately, some things aren’t meant to be. In my opinion, the idea of Bale returning to Spurs may well seem better than the outcome. 

With Antonio Conte’s aggressive style of coaching, it takes a special kind of person to take that and run with it, and in all honesty, I’m not sure if Gareth Bale is too fussed about domestic football anymore. Still, one to keep an eye on.

Cardiff: 5/2

This, to me, is the most likely outcome I can see happening. Hear me out here. A Cardiff boy, as he turns 33 years old this summer, who’s earned enough money in his career to last him a lifetime, returning to play for the club he supports as they bid to make it to the Premier League. We can all see how well Bale plays when he’s loved, as shown on the numerous occasions he’s turned up at the Cardiff City Stadium and blown the roof off the place.

A return home, to be around his family and friends, send his kids off to a local school, and play for the club he holds dearest in his heart, it just makes sense doesn’t it?

Many reports are also suggesting that Bale could sign a short-term contract and retire in the winter, should Wales make it to the World Cup, and if that were to be the case, this would be the move that makes most sense.

AC Milan: 4/1

I was genuinely surprised when I saw this price. It’s as big as 8/1 with Unibet, and 20/1 with SkyBet, so to see it at 4/1 here is a bit of an interesting one. Serie A could be an ideal place for Bale in all honesty, with it being a slower pace of football, and less likely to wreak havoc on Bale’s body as he gets older. The attractions of Milan must also be a pull, with the Welshman liking his private time, there would surely be plenty for him to do there.

The main core of Milan’s squad has been dramatically reduced in terms of age, and although his profile would bring eyes to the club, you have to think given their recent financial troubles, the Italians would be steering clear of this kind of deal.

Newcastle: 10/1

Could this be Newcastle’s ‘Robinho’ signing? Obviously it’d be a free transfer, but the wages Bale is currently on are eye-watering to say the least. If anyone can afford that however, it’s the new owners of Newcastle. As previously mentioned, Bale looks most likely to be returning to English football, although no-one knows how long for.

A final season on astronomical money could tempt him, and it’s clear he does still have the quality, and the appeal of the passionate Toon faithful could be another factor if he considered the move.

However, I think, looking at the signings Newcastle made in the winter, in terms of bringing in solid, established players for relatively reasonable fee, may keep the club itself from splashing the cash on the Welsh wizard.

Rangers: 12/1

Last up, it’s the turn of the current Scottish Champions, Rangers. Bale may be tempted by this move after seeing his fellow countryman, and friend, Aaron Ramsey move north of the border, and the slower pace of the Scottish league may be another factor that could be of interest to him.

However, the financial situation of the club still remains to be seen, and whether any club in Scotland could afford to pay the reported salaries of both Ramsey and Bale is definitely a question that potentially may not be answered.

Where do you think Gareth Bale will end up? Leave a comment on our social media channels.