In a recent interview with BBC Radio 5Live (via the Liverpool Echo), former Liverpool captain Paul Ince admitted that he would love to see Real Madrid outcast Gareth Bale make a switch to Anfield and said,
“In my personal opinion, I think that if Liverpool could afford him, he should go to Liverpool.
“The reason I say that is because if you look at the front three, they’ve been playing all over the summer, Mane ’s just finished the African Cup of Nations with Senegal, Salah was with Egypt and Firmino was at the Copa America.
“So how much rest are they going to get before the season actually starts? Bale can play on the right, he can play on the left, he can play central. I know they’ve got Origi and Shaqiri but are they good enough?
“If I was looking at a team, and if they could actually afford him, it would be Liverpool and that’s where Bale is going to have to take a massive drop. It can’t be about money.
“He’d be going to a team that’s the European champions, who just missed out on the league, they want to make a massive attempt again.
“I’d love to see him at Liverpool, I really, really would. I think it would be ideal for them, if they want to push the boat out, you’ve still got four or five years left of him.”
Bale’s Frustrations In The Spanish Top-Flight Last Season
The Wales international did not live up to the high expectations of the Real Madrid supporters last season. He failed to fill in the shoes of Cristiano Ronaldo following his exit from the Spanish capital last summer. Bale had to endure a frustrating season at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium as he lacked consistency in terms of his end-product on the pitch.
Even then, the former Tottenham Hotspur speedster still managed to register 14 goals and create six assists in 42 matches for the European giants in the previous campaign. Bale has lost the faith of Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane. Thus, it is looking increasingly likely that he will part ways with the Spanish outfit before the start of the new campaign.
Liverpool might be tempted to explore the possibility of signing Bale in this off-season. The Reds are in dire need of adding more depth to their squad so that they can push Manchester City in the Premier League title race once again next season. The Cardiff-born talent knows the English top-flight well from his time at Spurs, so he shouldn’t have any problem adapting to life at Merseyside.
What Will The Welsh Superstar Bring To Anfield?
Bale boasts electrifying pace, which allows him to make some dangerous runs behind the opposition backline. He always has the upper hand over his marker due to his incredible speed and trickery out on the flanks. However, there is no denying that the Welsh winger should score more goals in the final third if he wants to taste success again at the highest level.
Should Klopp Listen To Ince’s Advice?
Bale does not fit the bill at Liverpool as Klopp often tends to recruit players who are at their prime. The La Liga playmaker is clearly past his, so it is unthinkable for the Reds to offer him an astronomical wage at this stage of his playing career. Furthermore, Bale’s track record with injuries has been a significant cause for concern in recent seasons. Hence, the Merseyside outfit would be better off opting for less injury-prone players.
Final Verdict
Klopp shouldn’t abide by Ince’s wishes, but he should still consider bringing in a suitable back-up for Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah ahead of the new season.
