Real Madrid Superstar Linked With A Return To Tottenham Hotspur: Does Conte Need Him?

According to Fichajes, Gareth Bale is eyeing another return to Tottenham Hotspur. The Real Madrid superstar is expected to leave the club after the end of the season, with the club unlikely to renew his contract that expires next season. Bale’s main priority is to return to Spurs, this time on a permanent deal. However, the fate of the deal will depend on Antonio Conte, who is currently calling the shots at Spurs.

Gareth Bale’s Story Since His Return To Bernabeu

After spending a season on loan at Tottenham, Gareth Bale returned to Santiago Bernabeu in the summer, with slim hopes of redeeming himself under Carlo Ancelotti.

The Welshman started the campaign on a positive note, starting in all three of Real Madrid’s league games. He even scored a crucial goal in the 3-3 draw with Levante while helping in wins over Deportivo Alaves and Real Betis.

However, Bale was unfortunate enough to then pick up a knee injury in early September. It kept him out of action for almost two months, but just a week after his arrival, the attacker sustained a calf injury in mid-November, which has since kept him on the sidelines.

During his injury layoff, Ancelotti has found a lot of success with Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes while the club is expected to enter the market for a new attacker in January. It effectively rules out a prolonged future for Bale, who is now eyeing a return to Tottenham.

Does Antonio Conte Need Him?

Bale’s potential return to Tottenham Hotspur could be an interesting move, to say the least. The Welshman did play for the Lilwyhites last season, scoring 16 goals in all competitions. But he wasn’t properly utilised by Jose Mourinho, who only considered him as a bit-part player at the club.

Antonio Conte might not give him the same treatment, especially if Bale can retain his sharpness in front of goal. After all, the Real Madrid superstar offers definite quality in the final third and his ability to score goals could be useful at a time when Harry Kane is underperforming.

At the same time, though, Bale’s poor injury record means he can be a very risky investment for Tottenham. His hefty salary packet may also affect the club’s financial structure.

Last season, half of his wages were covered by Real Madrid, but that won’t be the case if the Lilywhites were to sign him permanently in January. Hence, the Welshman may have to be content with a major pay cut if he is to become a part of the Spurs team during the second half of the campaign.