Player Watch: Gareth Bale - Retires

[Johnny J]

What is already dead may never die

And with strange aeons even death may die.

 

[Real_madyidd]

He's owed 60m on his contract. Any deal would probably split it in three, where Real must pay him 20m, new club must have him on 200k a week (20m over 2 years), and a 20m transfer/loan fee that also will go to the player. Bale will benefit from getting that 20m immediately. And probably earn another year (3y contract) on 200k a week.

Don't think it's such an impossible deal. Son, Kane and Bale up front will no doubt deliver.

Geniune question: is that how it works or have you just made that up?

 

[Archibald&Crooks]

Geniune question: is that how it works or have you just made that up?

I know what my money is on

 

[tiger666]

Geniune question: is that how it works or have you just made that up?

You've seen these Bale threads before right?

 

[RJR1949]

Bale was the second best Welsh winger to play for Spurs (Cliff Jones was better, trust me).

I loved watching him play and he gave me some of my best times and happiest memories supporting Spurs.

But he’s not the same player.

The Bale who played for us was young, enthusiastic, fit, frighteningly fast, ambitious and full of a confidence that made him think of himself as invincible.

Bale today is different. No longer quite so fit or fast, no longer in love with football and no longer full of self-belief. Life has happened to him.

Personally I’d rather keep the memories and not re-sign Bale. I’d rather the club’s funds were spent elsewhere.

PS and if you want to see how fast Cliff Jones was , this clip shows what happened when he tried his hand at bullfighting

 

[wpmcg]

Bale was the second best Welsh winger to play for Spurs (Cliff Jones was better, trust me).

I loved watching him play and he gave me some of my best times and happiest memories supporting Spurs.

But he’s not the same player.

The Bale who played for us was young, enthusiastic, fit, frighteningly fast, ambitious and full of a confidence that made him think of himself as invincible.

Bale today is different. No longer quite so fit or fast, no longer in love with football and no longer full of self-belief. Life has happened to him.

Personally I’d rather keep the memories and not re-sign Bale. I’d rather the club’s funds were spent elsewhere.

PS and if you want to see how fast Cliff Jones was , this clip shows what happened when he tried his hand at bullfighting

Good post, weird video.

 

[punkisback]

Would be my absolute dream to see a front 3 of Son, Kane and Bale..........we would be incredible on the break. If there is any chance at all please football gods make it be.

I think it would bring the perfect balance too. We don’t have the left footed winger other than lamela who is more of an AM

 

[KeithStone]

I think a lot of it will depend on the Euros and what his plans are for that. Do wales pick him still if he hasn’t played competitive football in however long?

 

[Tucker]

I think a lot of it will depend on the Euros and what his plans are for that. Do wales pick him still if he hasn’t played competitive football in however long?

Wales will pick him no matter what. Without him in the team they are basically a lower championship/league one side.

 

[tiger666]

I think a lot of it will depend on the Euros and what his plans are for that. Do wales pick him still if he hasn’t played competitive football in however long?

He could lose a leg and still get picked.

 

[FibreOpticJesus]

This is evil genius at work. Throw out a body to draw the vultures away from the ITK thread while generating more views.

As with any talented player, the real question is at what price. On the plus side beyond his obvious offensive prowess:

• He hasn't put as much wear and tear on his body over the last few years so he will probably have an extra year or so playing at a high level.
• He would bring in massive shirt sales.
• Jose's tactical flexibility would increase by a multiple
• That also means preparing for Tottenham would be a nightmare whether he plays or not because of having to plan for him
• He has succeeded at the highest level and if he has the spark, and none of us really know if he really does, then that confidence/attitude could not help but spill over.

The one wild card in this is Jose. Bale has already said "Having Mourinho there is an amazing statement from the club " so it sounds as if there is a respect in both directions so it could actually work if Jose puts on his charm offensive.

But the key still is the financials. At 1 pound per year it's a no brainer. AT 500k per week it's a no. And i would think the argument in here is more about what he would be worth in that range without knowing his mentality, etc. While I wouldn't want him at the expense of a motivated Tanguay or a Hobjberg, adding him would certainly increase the odds of a top 4 finish especially in a counteracttacking team. Who wouldn't want a world class player even if he is slightly past his prime if they can make the financials work? Hence, the previous statements that it might be a late window gamble make perfect sense.

Back to a distracted day

So based on his ability still being what it was a year or two ago would we not take him for £250k/wk on a pay as you play plus £5m loan fee for two years? I think we would if we both wanted it.

 

[kieranfitchett]

Wish as a fan base we could just come to terms with the fact he’s never coming back.

anyway what shirt number do you think he’ll wear for us? 11 or 3?

 

[rabbikeane]

Geniune question: is that how it works or have you just made that up?

There aren't many cases like Bale's. But yes, when a player is on a monster deal like that and his club want rid, while player is more than happy to sit still and take in the money - then this is the type of deal that will be done. The player will almost never accept to let money go that he's owed through his contract. So any transfer will have to be creative in its way so the player get the money he has claim to. The club that want to sign him, most likely can't pay the same wages he's currently on, so it has to be included in the transfer fee. Bale on 400k at Spurs would have other players (Kane, Son) asking why they aren't on the same. Paying 20m in transfer fee, and 200k a week however won't raise any eyebrows.
Alexi Sanchez deal was similar, and it took long time as United initially had thoughts of getting money back on any deal.

 

[rabbikeane]

But he’s not the same player.
The Bale who played for us was young, enthusiastic, fit, frighteningly fast, ambitious and full of a confidence that made him think of himself as invincible.
Bale today is different. No longer quite so fit or fast, no longer in love with football and no longer full of self-belief. Life has happened to him.
Personally I’d rather keep the memories and not re-sign Bale. I’d rather the club’s funds were spent elsewhere.

There's a lot of similarities with the early 90s when a 32 year old former Spurs hero was on his way back to english football. We allowed Sheffield Wednesday to sign Chris Waddle, and it turned out he had another 100 games in him for them, winning the FWA Player of the Year in his comeback season. He was also not the player he once was, but still quality, changed with age.
Bale won't be flying for us like he once did, but there's no doubt in my mind he'd strengthen us and raise our level. He has a lot of experience now and would be an automatic leader for us. Reckon we'd get 3 years out of him and that he's the only possible transfer that could make us a challenger next season.

 

[Phantom]

At this stage I suspect that along with golf, Bale considers trolling Madrid as part of his professional life. Therefore I see him looking to engineer a move to Barca some how

 

[soflapaul]

So based on his ability still being what it was a year or two ago would we not take him for £250k/wk on a pay as you play plus £5m loan fee for two years? I think we would if we both wanted it.

i am not a contract expert so would leave the math to others but in broad strokes, to me, the value of the contract to the club is based on the income of shirt sales and the increased likelihood of champions league as well as domestic trophies, etc. His contribution to those would be highly dependent on his physical condition and mental condition. The physical would best be served by a medical but not sure how that would work in terms of valuing a contract before hand. The mental condition would obviously show a genuine interest in the new project. I suspect that the public Gareth and the private Gareth are quite different since it is not in his best interest to wear his heart on a sleeve when he is attempting to negotiate a way out if that is what he indeed is attempting. I like the 250k number as that would show a respect to Harry Kane so i would think your numbers make great sense if one thinks he could help us make that next step back. While i think he could be a major contributor if he is invested in the project, but can see the contrary position esp if one believes he is mentally checked out. Ultimately, i am happy leaving it to the professionals to make the call but it would be amazing to see the various combinations of players one could put out there with his addition.

 

[fatpiranha]

I'd take Bale for his free kicks alone. Not holding my breath though .

 

[DiscoD1882]

He’s not the messiah. He’s a very naughty boy.

inserts obligatory “I’d have him back in a heart beat!” Quote.

 

[SpursFox]

Not saying this is happening at all, and as others have said, not sure it would be the best outcome for us anyway at this point. However, this talk about him preferring to play golf in Spain than come back here, and I mean that may be so, I can't speak for him, but he has the rest of his life to do that if he wants to. If there was a way where he could come here for two years while not losing money or at least only a negligible amount (the stumbling block I know but Madrid might do anything to save whatever they can) then why wouldn't he want to end on a high. End your career not getting a game at Madrid and being remembered for those antics, and maybe a final payday in the US or somewhere if you can be bothered after. Or at least attempt to go out with some glory and end it on that note, and then go back to Spain to play some golf in your mid thirties if that's really what you want to do. Or do anything you can imagine within the bounds of reality thereafter ... I know what i'd personally prefer.

 

[dagraham]

Don’t care about all the past it stuff, I’d fucking love it if we brought him back.

Never going to happen though. Wouldn’t surprise me if he ended up at Utd, but I suspect he’ll still be at Real winding them up come next season.