.png)
I have this feeling that
if Gareth Bale really wanted to move to Real Madrid with a passion, he would be
close to that move right now. Or we
would have heard about it in a highly publicized debacle where Spurs reject
his transfer request and have an unhappy player.. blah, blah. Spurs know all of
this stuff from Dimitar Berbatov’s move to Man United and Luka Modric pleading
with Daniel Levy for a move to Chelski or Madrid. Surprise, surprise.. Madrid
got their way again with that one. As they often do. Because that’s the agenda
Madrid president Florentino Perez works under. Failure isn’t an option.
Recruiting the best players - and that means the best, think of Zidane,
Ronaldo, Benzema, Kaka… all for massive sums and all signing orchestrated by
the might Perez. The Galacticos.
However, something tells
me that sizzling forward Bale, now 23 isn’t completely seduced by Madrid’s plan
to ship him over to Spain. Madrid’s
sporting director and frankly bloody legend Zinedine Zidane casually
complimenting Gaz in the media isn’t fooling most people. Zidane is using
tactics even used in Football Manager where you can complement an opposing
player’s ability.. trying to build a relationship. Yawn. So by now, with Madrid’s interest so obvious
you’d think we’d hear some movement in the Bale camp. Whilst we've heard the
usual ‘keeping his options open’ and ‘open to offers’ statements from his
agent, Bale himself is so coy. Even for a footballer who doesn't want to give
away his future.. because that is a very high level of coyness. My basic point
is that I think Bale would probably rather stay, and at least for now. I mean,
you can’t blame him. He’s been in
cracking form last two seasons, adored by Spurs and Wales fans, now the heart
of the Spurs team and has just welcomed a child with his partner last year. The
move could jeopardize his form and his life in general. Being regarded as a
‘world class’ footballer is new to Gareth Bale. A few years ago, he was the
butt of jokes. When he was in the Spurs team, they always lost. A long standing
record of 24 games. Now, whenever he doesn't play, the danger will be they
lose. Failure to adapt to Real Madrid and Spanish football could scupper his
reputation and his form again. It’s a massive risk. Don’t get me wrong, as a
Welsh football fan I want what’s best for Bale. While a move to Spain, that
could possibly break the world transfer record, would be great publicity for
Welsh football, I feel that he could benefit more from delaying a move abroad
or to a bigger club.. at least for now.
Spurs know if they want
to keep Bale they’re gonna have to show their ambition, their desire to
challenge for trophies. Big trophies. And they need big signings. The biggest
priority is surely a striker. It feels as if Spurs have needed a top class
centre forward for about 28 years. This summer, there will surely be movement.
David Villa, Leandro Damiao and Christian Benteke. One or more would be a
welcome addition.. easing the goal scoring burden for Bale, and giving him a
possible striker partner. Paulinho has been signed for £17m, and from what
we've seen of him in the Confederations Cup.. he’s a good ‘un. One or two more big signings and you start to
see a team of real quality. Lloris, Walker, Vertonghen, Bale..
However, if Madrid too
pop up and offer Daniel Levy a figure of over £80m, as we've heard… then there
aren’t many chairmen who’d turn that down. If used sensibly, that kind of money
could bring 6-7 great signings. Let’s just hope this one doesn't drag like the
usual Spurs transfer sagas….
