Clicky

Gareth Bale set for big-money to China - Soccer Times

Gareth Bale set for big-money to China

|

According to the Guardian, Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale is set to make a lucrative move to Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning, where reportedly he will earn a staggering £1million per-week. The move would not be a massive surprise after Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane basically told the media that the 30-year-old was surplus to requirements.

A mixed career in Spain

It is fair to say that everything has not been rosy for Gareth Bale in Madrid. He arrived for a world-record fee in 2013 from Tottenham as one of the hottest players in the European game. The team has enjoyed big success during his career in the Spanish capital, winning the Champions League on four occasions and La Liga once, amongst other trophies. He played a crucial role in those European triumphs.

However, he has not endeared himself to the Bernabeu faithful, failing to really learn the language, while also spending long periods on the sidelines with niggling injuries. He will claim that he cannot help his injury problems, but there is talk in the Spanish capital that he is not as willing to play through the pain barrier as some of the other players.

Not a lot of destinations available for Bale

In truth, Bale is one of the best-paid players in football. Therefore, there are only a few clubs in the world that can afford to sign the Welshman. His agent Jonathan Barnett has made it clear that he is not willing to take a pay-cut and could instead see out his three-year contract in Madrid.

The fact he is 30 will have put off many of the likely candidates for his signature. His injury record is also likely to have seen many of the proposed suitors turn their back on a deal for the Welshman. Bale had been linked with moves to the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester United and even Liverpool. In truth, though, those stories were media talk or came from people acting on Bale’s behalf keeping his stock high.

It seemed highly unlikely that the aforementioned clubs were ever interested in signing Bale. His wages will have been the final nail in the coffin of staying in Europe for the winger.

A move to China would only be motivated by one thing: Money. For all the talk of the Chinese Super League progressing, the truth is that players move to the far east to pick up big wages and final paydays. It is not like Bale is short of money after six years at Real Madrid on mega high wages. He does not need the money

However, you cannot blame the players for taking the ridiculous rewards on offer in China. According to bookmakers, Bale’s next likely destination is, in fact, the Chinese Super League. The strange thing is that Bale clearly does not need the money.

Would Bale ever return to European football?

If Bale makes the move to China as mooted in the Guardian article, then there is a good chance that the forward may make a quick return to European football. His family is settled in Madrid, but he reportedly took a while to adjust to the foreign culture.

It is easy to see Bale going to China, picking up his huge wage packet for a year and then returning to Europe. If Gareth Bale does make the move to the Chinese Super League, then it will be a shame to see such a once highly-rated player move away from the world’s top leagues.

Will Gareth Bale’s next move be to China?

Categories: News

This week’s most popular

Previous Post
Liverpool’s forward fatigue could be crucial next season
Next Post
Arsenal agree fee for exciting Lille forward