The Daily Mirror has recently mentioned that Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale is refusing to leave the Spanish capital this summer. It is believed that the Welsh winger is willing to wait up to two years if necessary before he finds his new destination. However, the report also states that the ex-Tottenham Hotspur dribbler is facing a bleak future at Madrid after missing the club’s past seven matches across all competitions.
Bale’s Increasing Struggles At Real Madrid
Bale experienced an underwhelming season at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium as he has mostly been a sporadic feature in Zinedine Zidane’s first-team. The Cardiff-born speedster participated in 20 matches for the Spanish champions last season, finding the back of the net thrice while providing two assists on all fronts which goes to show his inconsistencies going forward.
However, despite his lack of game time, the 31-year-old has done well to average 2.1 shots, 0.6 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League in the previous campaign (stats via whoscored). Bale’s relationship with Zinedine Zidane had deteriorated over the past ten months which reached its boiling point when the player was omitted from travelling to the Etihad Stadium for the crucial second-leg showdown against Manchester City in the Champions League last 16 earlier this month.
The situation is becoming toxic by the day, so the Madrid giants have to figure out a way to ship him out of the Bernabeu before the start of the new season. It seems like Bale is prepared to stay and earn his high wages in Spain rather than improve his chances of getting regular game time by securing a summer move to another top European team.
What Does The Welsh Playmaker Bring To The Table?
Even though Bale is not getting any younger, he is still one of the quickest players in the top tier of Spain. He is proficient at taking on the opposition defenders using his electric speed and trickery in the decisive end of the pitch. The 79-capped Welsh international can also be a prolific goal-getter and assist-maker when he is playing with confidence on the field.
Does Bale Have A Future At The Spanish Capital?
A player of Bale’s skillset and proven track record is good enough to play for any top team in Europe. However, he has reportedly fallen out with Zidane and faces an uncertain future at the Bernabeu. Los Blancos have currently got Eden Hazard, Vinicius Junior, Isco, Marco Asensio, Rodrygo and Brahim Diaz fighting for a place in Zidane’s frontline every week.
Therefore, Bale is surplus to the requirements and seems to be living on borrowed time at Madrid right now. Both parties need to put their pride aside and come to a mutual agreement so that they can part ways for good before the summer transfer window slams shut later this year.
