Why Is Gareth Bale's Real Madrid Future Always in Question?
Has the definition of "world class" changed since Gareth Bale left Tottenham Hotspur for Real Madrid in summer 2013?
It seems the only logical reason to why the Spanish giants would consider selling the talented Welshman—but invariably, almost as if carefully orchestrated, rumours of Bale's removal, sale and/or abrupt demise at the Santiago Bernabeu arrive at least once every fortnight.
Bought for the world-record sum of £85.3 million, one might think Madrid's plan for Bale exceeds a three-season-term limit. Although Real president Florentino Perez likely purchased him above market value, the facts are Bale was acquired and earned his place in Los Blancos' attacking conglomerate.
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In 109 appearances for the Spanish giants, the 26-year-old forward has directly contributed towards 94 goals.
When compared to his White Hart Lane performances, the numbers display a vast (nearly 100 percent) improvement, despite the burdens of learning a new country, language, footballing style and having the "world's most expensive footballer" label slapped on his forehead—a factor not under his immediate control.
Scoring goals, assisting team-mates and winning trophies (four in two completed seasons), Bale's Iberian Peninsula experiment has proven fruitful. Not to suggest he has walked on rose petals, but considering the club he entered, with the level of expectation there, one could easily argue Wales' talisman has answered most questions about his level of ability.
Why, then, as highlighted by Sky Sports' Paul Vinnell, does his future seem under perpetual attack? This question is not necessarily rhetorical in nature, but a genuine query; it makes no sense.
"With Cristiano's goal, the BBC have now scored 70 goals in all competitions so far this season:
— Real Madrid Stats (@RMadrid_Stats) February 21, 2016 "
> Cristiano: 34
> Benzema: 23
> Bale: 13
According to Sky Sports' report, Bale's agent, Jonathan Barnett, confirmed Madrid will not sell his client this summer, responding to AS' Manu Sainz report that Real are "beginning to weigh up the option of selling the Welshman" this summer due to exorbitant wages, compounded injury and, subsequently, lack of minutes played.
Worried Bale could transform into the next Arjen Robben—in other words, a walking hospital ward—the thinking suggests rather than allowing the 26-year-old time to fully recover, cutting bait this summer would recoup some (but not all) of the £85.3 million paid.
Chelsea and Manchester United are the oft-rumoured duo of suitors (as exemplified by the Daily Mirror's Darren Lewis), portrayed almost like circling vultures—and perhaps therein lies the real issue: any issue, great or small, involving Bale is used as pretence to link him with English clubs.
Does stirring the pot influence whatever backroom discussions and/or dealings, should they even exist? Probably not; but incessantly seeing Bale's name liked with English clubs does begin to create patterns.
When Great Britain's best attacking footballer is not plying his trade in the Premier League—while many often bemoan English players not exploring what the continent has to offer—it leaves a sour taste.
Should common sense be a variable used by Madrid, that taste will remain.
Thirteen goals in 15 La Liga appearances this year, regardless of injury, has Bale joint-eighth in the Golden Boot standings. Real cannot find or replace a player with his talent/potential in one individual; the only losers in Bale moving clubs are Madrid. Though possessing a spasmodic reputation, Perez must view this notion as readily evident.
Once everyone else catches up, it will make all our lives easier.
*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase where not noted.
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