If Real Madrid is currently league leader, while being qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League (Casa Blanca will face PSG) and those of the Copa del Rey, it is not necessarily thanks to Gareth Bale. Returning to the Spanish capital this summer following his one-season loan at Tottenham, the 32-year-old winger has only played three games since the start of the season with the Merengues. It was at the start of the season, and the main concerned has not worn the Merengues colors since August 28. So yes, in the meantime, the Welsh international (100 caps, 36 goals) played with his selection, especially in November but he relapsed.
Result, between knee and calf injuries, and a few days with the Covid-19, Gareth Bale has completely disappeared from the radar with the Casa Blanca. At the end of the contract next June, the former offensive element of Southampton is therefore necessarily at the heart of the debates, especially in this period of winter transfer window where he can negotiate freely with other teams. Moreover, Madrid leaders have necessarily left the door open for a departure of the Welshman this winter, but everything should unlock at the end of the season, or rather a few months before depending on a very important factor.
Retirement or a return to Great Britain?
On March 24, Wales will indeed challenge Austria in the play-offs for the 2022 World Cup, which will be played in Qatar from November 21 to December 18. In case of victory, the selection of Robert Page will then face Scotland or Ukraine to win his ticket for the competition? And that’s where Gareth Bale will decide his future. As reported Sky Sports this Saturday, the native of Cardiff is simply considering ending his career if Wales do not qualify for the most prestigious of international competitions, as already mentioned by The Athletic.
On the other hand, if he succeeds in going to Qatar with his compatriots, Gareth Bale will do everything to stay in shape and return to the front of the stage before the World Cup. Thus, the British media evokes a return to Great Britain, perhaps in Championship within Swansea City or Cardiff City, two Welsh clubs which play in the second division. Sky Sports also speaks of a possible transfer to a Premier League club … The Welshman has already planned everything, it remains to be seen which option will be chosen.