Gareth Bale (Rumour to Deal Done)

[freddiecarr]

For those of you who put credence in the marketing of BT and it's relation to Bale. I've just seen the ad with that air raid siren music and Bale was in it... Considering the panic that sets in when someone doesn't see an ad with him in it, I thought this might cheer some people up.

In addition to this, I saw a poster of Bale and two other players (cant remmeber who they were though) advertising the new spurs home kit at charing cross station earlier, northern line exit

 

[Kirito]

Bale will stay the longer this saga continues

 

[dannythomas]

Just out of interest if he did go hypothetically would people prefer 40m plus Rooney and Hernandez or 60 m plus Coentrao ?

 

[etchedchaos]

Just out of interest if he did go hypothetically would people prefer 40m plus Rooney and Hernandez or 60 m plus Coentrao ?

How about neither.

 

[Antilokhos]

Just out of interest if he did go hypothetically would people prefer 40m plus Rooney and Hernandez or 60 m plus Coentrao ?

Come on man, if Rooney is crying that £200k a week isn't enough for him (and I think he is a vastly overrated player already) why would you even bring up his name with us? That's not even realistic in a FM world.

 

[zac]

Just out of interest if he did go hypothetically would people prefer 40m plus Rooney and Hernandez or 60 m plus Coentrao ?

No, no and...............................................................................NO!!!

 

[ExpatFan]

Bale loves it at Spurs. He loves AVB. Madrid won't get anywhere near the asking price. Manure even less likely. But Jonathan Barnett has done a great job of persuading Bale that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. And he has done a great job negotiating with Madrid and telling them and the media that Bale is desperate to go there and that Levy will cave in eventually. So far he hasn't been able to persuade Bale to put in a transfer request . Or has he said that's not a good idea because there is less commission in it for him... ?

That would be a "once in a lifetime opportunity" for Barnett's company actually, as Bale's contract with JB's Stellar group ends next year. I think the words "vested" and "interest" come to mind when one thinks of Barnett. Actually, so does another word: 4 letters, has female connotations, ends in -unt. And I don't mean aunt.

 

[knilly]

That would be a "once in a lifetime opportunity" for Barnett's company actually, as Bale's contract with JB's Stellar group ends next year. I think the words "vested" and "interest" come to mind when one thinks of Barnett. Actually, so does another word: 4 letters, has female connotations, ends in -unt. And I don't mean aunt.

Whats to say that he wont extend his contract with them.

The seem to be doing a good job in getting deals lined up for him, if not for our club or fans

 

[dannythomas]

I agree keeping Bale would be the best option and it's what we all want. But if his head is really turned thanks to Mr Barnett then we may have to take an exchange deal because nobody will pay 100m in cash ( or even 80 m for that matter ! ) nobody really knows the full story about what Bale really wants and if he is truly demotivated.

 

[ExpatFan]

Whats to say that he wont extend his contract with them.

The seem to be doing a good job in getting deals lined up for him, if not for our club or fans

Really? What "deals lined up" would they be then? Are there any "lined up", in fact?

 

[spurs-r-us]

The word Barnett and the terms 'scum of the earth' and 'bloodsucker' really do fit.

 

[nssmuckers]

Note that I approach this as a non-Brit so I don't carry the completely understandable tendency to relate a bit more to domestic players. I understand the importance of having British players and even better local players.

I'm gonna be a bit unpopular here and say I don't really agree with the "Ratboy = mercenary **** / Bale = good lad who would never force the issue" axiom that gets thrown about. It feels like wishful thinking.

The way Luka publicly whored himself to clubs during the last two summers was a joke--there's no denying that. I don't hold anything against those who continue to slag him over it. But for me the difference in strategy from the camps is a symptom of the players' differing priorities, rather than a sign of one possessing more character or loyalty than the other.

It is my opinion that Modders is a pure footballer who was strangely crucified for being a greedy money-hungry twat. A player who came from absolutely nothing with an ambition to play at the very highest level. That certainly doesn't excuse his behavior, but for me he always had a certain genuineness to him that manifested itself both positively and negatively.

When Luka got linked to Barca a few years before he left, I believe he said something along the lines of "Barcelona? I'd love to play there, but for Spurs in the Champions League." Of course it was naive and unrealistic, but it was a genuine moment of pride in the heat of the moment. A few years later he was publicly gagging on Chelsea's balls, because he wanted to play in the CL.

Bale on the other hand is more mysterious. A lot of our fans seem to know a lot more about Gareth as a person than they possibly could. We have the anecdotes about visiting his mom in Cardiff, his distaste for a party lifestyle, his long-term relationship with his girlfriend, etc. Yet everything Gareth ever says feels like it's a carefully constructed PR statement. He's positive about the club without being passionate, he never really rules out anything, he never makes any sort of promise. He is heavily-coached and his public persona is highly-manufactured. On top of that we have the plastic surgery, the haircut, the trademarking of a logo, the endorsements. Bale and his camp are very determined to maximize his appeal not just as a player but as a brand.

Contrast that with Luka who was willing to completely tank his image with our fans just to play on a bigger stage. It's telling that many of our players tweeted well-wishes to Luka and called him a good teammate in spite of the popular perception that he was a selfish money-hungry piece of shit.

I'm not saying Bale's secretly a twat or anything. In fact I have no reason to believe he's anything but a quiet nice man, but I also think the fact that so many of us don't even allow for the possibility that he's capable of entering a standoff with the club is ridiculous.

Ultimately we don't know what's going on, but I wouldn't be surprised if JJ is right. And if he is, it makes sense that a player so concerned with image would not want to do anything in public. I do prefer it this way as it's better for our club, and it seems to be working for Bale as people are mostly still unwilling to entertain the notion that he's trying to force a move.

I hope I'm wrong about him, honestly. I hope he comes out tomorrow and signs a 9 year deal and professes his undying love for our club. I just don't see any indication that he's any more loyal than the other players who have angled to leave us. His camp is just more clever in going about it.

Just my two cents, sorry if it offends.

 

[Ironskullll]

I agree keeping Bale would be the best option and it's what we all want. But if his head is really turned thanks to Mr Barnett then we may have to take an exchange deal because nobody will pay 100m in cash ( or even 80 m for that matter ! ) nobody really knows the full story about what Bale really wants and if he is truly demotivated.

I think the litmus test as to whether his head is turned is whether he puts in a transfer request.

 

[Ironskullll]

Note that I approach this as a non-Brit so I don't carry the completely understandable tendency to relate a bit more to domestic players. I understand the importance of having British players and even better local players.

I'm gonna be a bit unpopular here and say I don't really agree with the "Ratboy = mercenary **** / Bale = good lad who would never force the issue" axiom that gets thrown about. It feels like wishful thinking.

The way Luka publicly whored himself to clubs during the last two summers was a joke--there's no denying that. I don't hold anything against those who continue to slag him over it. But for me the difference in strategy from the camps is a symptom of the players' differing priorities, rather than a sign of one possessing more character or loyalty than the other.

It is my opinion that Modders is a pure footballer who was strangely crucified for being a greedy money-hungry twat. A player who came from absolutely nothing with an ambition to play at the very highest level. That certainly doesn't excuse his behavior, but for me he always had a certain genuineness to him that manifested itself both positively and negatively.

When Luka got linked to Barca a few years before he left, I believe he said something along the lines of "Barcelona? I'd love to play there, but for Spurs in the Champions League." Of course it was naive and unrealistic, but it was a genuine moment of pride in the heat of the moment. A few years later he was publicly gagging on Chelsea's balls, because he wanted to play in the CL.

Bale on the other hand is more mysterious. A lot of our fans seem to know a lot more about Gareth as a person than they possibly could. We have the anecdotes about visiting his mom in Cardiff, his distaste for a party lifestyle, his long-term relationship with his girlfriend, etc. Yet everything Gareth ever says feels like it's a carefully constructed PR statement. He's positive about the club without being passionate, he never really rules out anything, he never makes any sort of promise. He is heavily-coached and his public persona is highly-manufactured. On top of that we have the plastic surgery, the haircut, the trademarking of a logo, the endorsements. Bale and his camp are very determined to maximize his appeal not just as a player but as a brand.

Contrast that with Luka who was willing to completely tank his image with our fans just to play on a bigger stage. It's telling that many of our players tweeted well-wishes to Luka and called him a good teammate in spite of the popular perception that he was a selfish money-hungry piece of shit.

I'm not saying Bale's secretly a twat or anything. In fact I have no reason to believe he's anything but a quiet nice man, but I also think the fact that so many of us don't even allow for the possibility that he's capable of entering a standoff with the club is ridiculous.

Ultimately we don't know what's going on, but I wouldn't be surprised if JJ is right. And if he is, it makes sense that a player so concerned with image would not want to do anything in public. I do prefer it this way as it's better for our club, and it seems to be working for Bale as people are mostly still unwilling to entertain the notion that he's trying to force a move.

I hope I'm wrong about him, honestly. I hope he comes out tomorrow and signs a 9 year deal and professes his undying love for our club. I just don't see any indication that he's any more loyal than the other players who have angled to leave us. His camp is just more clever in going about it.

Just my two cents, sorry if it offends.

Great post. I wish there was a "thoughtful" icon, because I love a well thought out argument - they never offend, and if I can't completely get my mind round it or don't agree with it but it leaves me questioning my own ideas then isn't that the stuff of forums?

 

[Yorkville Spur]

I suspect Bale's handlers are looking at Beckham as their role model as far as marketing Bale and how much he can potentially earn. It's very likely they don't think THFC is the proper platform to expand Bale's brand. Sadly, this is no longer about football, not really. Whatever happens, we have a strong squad and we should do well this season. And I'm happy than Wenger probably can't sleep at night knowing he chose Walcott over Bale. That is some DEEP satisfaction, my friends.

 

[JerryGarcia]

Come on man, if Rooney is crying that £200k a week isn't enough for him (and I think he is a vastly overrated player already) why would you even bring up his name with us? That's not even realistic in a FM world.

Rooney wouldn't even sign for us on FM, let alone in real life. Well, unless we gave ourselves a sugar daddy.

 

[dannythomas]

Yes well I did say it was a hypothetical question. The real one ( excuse the pun ) is that if he goes does it really matter whether it is Real or Man U that sign him ? If we get 2 of their players ( it could just as easily be Hernandez and Welbeck or Zaha ) and those players plus cash were more attractive to AVB than the ones Madrid offer , does it matter that Bale would stay in England and play against us ? Personally the package offered and a key part being the players coming the other way, would be more important . If Real offer us Coentraou and Ozil or Morata plus cash that might be better. One thing is for sure , neither of them will offer 85-100 m in cash.

 

[dannythomas]

Note that I approach this as a non-Brit so I don't carry the completely understandable tendency to relate a bit more to domestic players. I understand the importance of having British players and even better local players.

I'm gonna be a bit unpopular here and say I don't really agree with the "Ratboy = mercenary **** / Bale = good lad who would never force the issue" axiom that gets thrown about. It feels like wishful thinking.

The way Luka publicly whored himself to clubs during the last two summers was a joke--there's no denying that. I don't hold anything against those who continue to slag him over it. But for me the difference in strategy from the camps is a symptom of the players' differing priorities, rather than a sign of one possessing more character or loyalty than the other.

It is my opinion that Modders is a pure footballer who was strangely crucified for being a greedy money-hungry twat. A player who came from absolutely nothing with an ambition to play at the very highest level. That certainly doesn't excuse his behavior, but for me he always had a certain genuineness to him that manifested itself both positively and negatively.

When Luka got linked to Barca a few years before he left, I believe he said something along the lines of "Barcelona? I'd love to play there, but for Spurs in the Champions League." Of course it was naive and unrealistic, but it was a genuine moment of pride in the heat of the moment. A few years later he was publicly gagging on Chelsea's balls, because he wanted to play in the CL.

Bale on the other hand is more mysterious. A lot of our fans seem to know a lot more about Gareth as a person than they possibly could. We have the anecdotes about visiting his mom in Cardiff, his distaste for a party lifestyle, his long-term relationship with his girlfriend, etc. Yet everything Gareth ever says feels like it's a carefully constructed PR statement. He's positive about the club without being passionate, he never really rules out anything, he never makes any sort of promise. He is heavily-coached and his public persona is highly-manufactured. On top of that we have the plastic surgery, the haircut, the trademarking of a logo, the endorsements. Bale and his camp are very determined to maximize his appeal not just as a player but as a brand.

Contrast that with Luka who was willing to completely tank his image with our fans just to play on a bigger stage. It's telling that many of our players tweeted well-wishes to Luka and called him a good teammate in spite of the popular perception that he was a selfish money-hungry piece of shit.

I'm not saying Bale's secretly a twat or anything. In fact I have no reason to believe he's anything but a quiet nice man, but I also think the fact that so many of us don't even allow for the possibility that he's capable of entering a standoff with the club is ridiculous.

Ultimately we don't know what's going on, but I wouldn't be surprised if JJ is right. And if he is, it makes sense that a player so concerned with image would not want to do anything in public. I do prefer it this way as it's better for our club, and it seems to be working for Bale as people are mostly still unwilling to entertain the notion that he's trying to force a move.

I hope I'm wrong about him, honestly. I hope he comes out tomorrow and signs a 9 year deal and professes his undying love for our club. I just don't see any indication that he's any more loyal than the other players who have angled to leave us. His camp is just more clever in going about it.

Just my two cents, sorry if it offends.

I agree this is a great post. I don't have any problem with Modric. He gave everything while he was with us including the last season when he was forced to stay. I remember his first game after the window was against Liverpool where he scored a great goal and his joy was there for everyone to see. Lets hope if Bale stays he is equally professional. I would have Modric back tomorrow..

 

[ItsBoris]

Note that I approach this as a non-Brit so I don't carry the completely understandable tendency to relate a bit more to domestic players. I understand the importance of having British players and even better local players.

I'm gonna be a bit unpopular here and say I don't really agree with the "Ratboy = mercenary **** / Bale = good lad who would never force the issue" axiom that gets thrown about. It feels like wishful thinking.

The way Luka publicly whored himself to clubs during the last two summers was a joke--there's no denying that. I don't hold anything against those who continue to slag him over it. But for me the difference in strategy from the camps is a symptom of the players' differing priorities, rather than a sign of one possessing more character or loyalty than the other.

It is my opinion that Modders is a pure footballer who was strangely crucified for being a greedy money-hungry twat. A player who came from absolutely nothing with an ambition to play at the very highest level. That certainly doesn't excuse his behavior, but for me he always had a certain genuineness to him that manifested itself both positively and negatively.

When Luka got linked to Barca a few years before he left, I believe he said something along the lines of "Barcelona? I'd love to play there, but for Spurs in the Champions League." Of course it was naive and unrealistic, but it was a genuine moment of pride in the heat of the moment. A few years later he was publicly gagging on Chelsea's balls, because he wanted to play in the CL.

Bale on the other hand is more mysterious. A lot of our fans seem to know a lot more about Gareth as a person than they possibly could. We have the anecdotes about visiting his mom in Cardiff, his distaste for a party lifestyle, his long-term relationship with his girlfriend, etc. Yet everything Gareth ever says feels like it's a carefully constructed PR statement. He's positive about the club without being passionate, he never really rules out anything, he never makes any sort of promise. He is heavily-coached and his public persona is highly-manufactured. On top of that we have the plastic surgery, the haircut, the trademarking of a logo, the endorsements. Bale and his camp are very determined to maximize his appeal not just as a player but as a brand.

Contrast that with Luka who was willing to completely tank his image with our fans just to play on a bigger stage. It's telling that many of our players tweeted well-wishes to Luka and called him a good teammate in spite of the popular perception that he was a selfish money-hungry piece of shit.

I'm not saying Bale's secretly a twat or anything. In fact I have no reason to believe he's anything but a quiet nice man, but I also think the fact that so many of us don't even allow for the possibility that he's capable of entering a standoff with the club is ridiculous.

Ultimately we don't know what's going on, but I wouldn't be surprised if JJ is right. And if he is, it makes sense that a player so concerned with image would not want to do anything in public. I do prefer it this way as it's better for our club, and it seems to be working for Bale as people are mostly still unwilling to entertain the notion that he's trying to force a move.

I hope I'm wrong about him, honestly. I hope he comes out tomorrow and signs a 9 year deal and professes his undying love for our club. I just don't see any indication that he's any more loyal than the other players who have angled to leave us. His camp is just more clever in going about it.

Just my two cents, sorry if it offends.

Players will usually say wonderful things about the clubs in heartfelt moments, and I believe they mean it. The quote you cited of Modric being a good example, but Bale has said many good things about THFC over his time here as well. The problem arises when their agents get in their ears and make them all kinds of promises. The agents are just greedy ****s and it's annoying to me that every player nowadays seems to have an agent. If I was a professional footballer I don't think I would want some greedy piece of shit representing me.

Unfortunately most football players aren't intelligent enough to see that they're being used. This fella Barnett probably said the same things to Bale that Real Madrid have communicated - "Now or never", etc etc, and while before he was content to sign a new deal and leave next season, now he is agitated and wants a move now.

 

[Ironskullll]

Players will usually say wonderful things about the clubs in heartfelt moments, and I believe they mean it. The quote you cited of Modric being a good example, but Bale has said many good things about THFC over his time here as well. The problem arises when their agents get in their ears and make them all kinds of promises. The agents are just greedy ****s and it's annoying to me that every player nowadays seems to have an agent. If I was a professional footballer I don't think I would want some greedy piece of shit representing me.

Unfortunately most football players aren't intelligent enough to see that they're being used. This fella Barnett probably said the same things to Bale that Real Madrid have communicated - "Now or never", etc etc, and while before he was content to sign a new deal and leave next season, now he is agitated and wants a move now.

I wonder if there's a future for agent-free players at certain clubs. A bit like those companies that exercise a no trade union rule. You get paid well, you keep all of your pay, and you deal with us in person - no commissions etc. I doubt it.