Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino believes Gareth Bale should call time on Real Madrid and return to the Premier League where he made his name.
Real are expected to embark on an overhaul of the squad following a disappointing campaign in La Liga and it’s long been rumoured that the Welsh winger could be sacrificed to make way for fresh talent.
Bale has struggled to reach the heights of previous seasons at the Bernabeu but has struck form in the closing stages of the season. The 29-year-old, who has played a bit part in Real’s Champions League campaign, staked his claim for a place in the final with goals in his last two appearances.
The Welshman came off the bench to score Real Madrid’s equaliser against Barcelona in the Camp Nou and scored twice on his return to the starting lineup against Celta Vigo on Saturday.
Writing in The Times, Cascarino thinks Bale is spending too much time on the bench and should quit Spain for England in the summer.
“Bale needs to leave Real Madrid and come back to the Premier League,” he wrote.
“He’s had success in Spain but has fallen out of favour and they will certainly buy again this summer after losing the league to Barcelona.
“Bale is 29 in July and is wasting his talent on the bench.”
Bale’s contract at Real Madrid runs until 2022 and it remains to be seen if any Premier League club is willing to stump up the cash to bring the former Tottenham player back to England. Manchester United have been mooted as a possible destination but the player himself has hinted he could be interested in joining Bayern Munich.
In 2016, Cascarino felt Bale would be mad to sign for Manchester United, branding Old Trafford as “an attackers’ graveyard”. However, the situation has changed. Louis van Gaal has been replaced by Jose Mourinho and the Red Devils are one of only a few Premier League clubs that could afford Real Madrid’s asking price and Bale’s terms.
Former Liverpool and England midfielder Jamie Redknapp believes a move to Old Trafford would suit both player and club but Chelsea could be another option if Real pursue their interest in Eden Hazard.
In his Daily Mail column, Redknapp wrote: They (Manchester United) finished second and could win the FA Cup but let’s face it… this is one of the most boring United teams.
“If Jose Mourinho wants to change that, he should go and buy Gareth Bale. He has won it all at Real Madrid and won’t be fazed by the Premier League.
“United won’t be the only ones after him. If Eden Hazard goes to Real Madrid, I’m sure Chelsea would be keen on a swap deal.
“After a season of limited gametime, Bale will be keen to prove he is still a world-class talent. What better way to do so than inspire a team to properly challenge City?”
