Manchester United have a very busy transfer window ahead of
them. The club have to provide Mourinho with his desired targets, which will
allow him to challenge for the title in his 3rd and most important
make or break season at Old Trafford. Club football officially got over after a
dramatic Champions League final between Real Madrid and Liverpool, where the Spanish
club came victorious once again, winning the competition three times in a row. The
final also gave us an insight of a long-time transfer target, Gareth Bale.
Bale is one of the best right wingers on the planet
currently and a very skilful player. Bale, since leaving Spurs in 2013, has
gone on to win four Champions League titles with the Madrid outfit, making him
one of the most successful and decorated Welsh players ever. Bale was nominated
man of the match in the Champions League final for coming of the bench and
scoring two world-class goals a bicycle kick and a long-range shot deflected in
by Karius thus helping Real Madrid win their 13th Champions League
title, making them the most successful team in Europe. It is no secret that United
have been after Bale for quite some time now, with the player being a favorite
for Jose and a commercial fantasy for Ed Woodward. United have been after Bale
for almost every season and n year has past by with the Welshman being linked
with a move back to England. United have lagged behind in the chase of the
winger due to Real’s transfer policy. It is also no doubt that Madrid are
behind De Gea for almost every season as came close to sign him in 2015 due a faulty
fax machine on deadline day. Since then it has been very difficult to negotiate
any deal with Real as they ask for United’s prized possession whenever we try
to make a move for one of their Galactico’s. This has always been the case during
United’s pursuit of Bale. It seems that United will miss out on him once again, following a huge asking price
Jose signed Alexis Sanchez as a marquee number 7 in January,
who was added in an already star-studded squad consisting of Lukaku, Pobga, De
Gea and many others. But, this season proved that United need more quality in
midfield and attack if they want to have chance of challenging for the title
next season, with rivals improving their squads simultaneously. The addition of
Bale would surely instill world-class credentials, quality and pace, which is
lagging in the squad. United have lacked that final finish in the attacking
third of the pitch and Bale would surely add to that. In a post-match interview,
Bale hinted towards an exit saying that he hopes to play more football at
Madrid, which he hasn’t been playing lately and consistent run of games is all
he requires. He would also sit down with his agent and decide upon his future. Bale
hasn’t been that important a figure in Zidane’s squad this year. He has gone
from being an illustrated member of the infamous BBC Trio of Bale, Benzema and
Cristiano Ronaldo, too being a starter off the bench, with the manager trusting
Isco and Asensio over him.
The 2017/18 season hasn’t been the best for Bale as he has
been frequently injured over the course of the campaign and his lack of form and
game time owing to the same. He has been tipped to join United after Real Madrid
reduced his asking price below 80 million. Aged 28, it would be a calculated
risk any team would be tempted to take in a hope of landing a world-class
player with loads of experience. It has been noticed that when Bale is fit he
gives his all to the game and is unstoppable, the Champions League final and
his 21 goals and 8 assists in his 31 appearances this season justifies the same.
However, he has done a great job in improving his fitness and his form. His Champions
League heroics may have granted him a salvation in his Madrid career but, it is
wise to say that his time in Spain is limited and would be the first one on the
list to make way for one more Galactico signing. Also, the fact Ronaldo is the undisputed
main man of Madrid, it would be sensible for a player of Bale’s caliber of join
a club that values his qualities and give him the proper respect he deserves.
United would do that for him.
Bale would walk directly into the United starting line-up
and improve it drastically. He would add much needed pace and creativity which
is lacking on the right at the moment. Lingard has developed into an attacking midfielder
and has rejuvenated his career since moving to that position. Martial is a
player comfortable only on the left and Rashford plays second fiddle to Lukaku.
That would leave us with Mata. In order to acquire a player like Bale, Mata
would be the first person threatened and possibly sold to make way for the
attacker. Mata offers creativity and opens up the defences but lacks the pace.
Bale would offer both, creativity, pace and to top it off an experience of a 4-time
Champions League winner. Fans at the start, doubted and rejected the claims of
United signing Bale only due to his injury record, but now it looks as if the
tables have turned.
Signing Bale would also have be great for United in a business point
of view as, Ed Woodward views him a jackpot in the marketing perspective and
would do a great job in making Bale of the highest paid players and the face of
the club. He has a great market value. Bale is valued at 34 million, with a salary of 21 million and endorsements up to 11 million according to Forbes in
2017. He is 89th in the richest celebrities list and 24th
highest paid athlete as per the 2017 census. Adidas would be benefit a lot if
this deal goes through as they are the main sponsors of, Bale, United and Real
Madrid. More than enough to prove that he is commercial gold mine and with the likes
of Pogba, Lukaku and Sanchez already boosting the club’s revenue.
His Champions League heroics may have turned many United
fans but, it has given Madrid the opportunity to increase his asking price
after he won them the cup. It was a smart and expected decision by Madrid to
keep hold of Bale. Real now value him over 200 million which is too high for a
player of his age and skill. It is just a classic tactic to fend of suitors now
that Bale has found his form. However, Mourinho is still looking to sign him
for a reduced amount but, we all know that it is absolutely impossible to sign
him with that ridiculous asking price. He is too overpriced. The only way we
think United could land Bale is if United let go De Gea which will
automatically reduce the asking price as Madrid want the shot-stopper for quite
some time, or Bale forces through a move and insisting that the club reduce his
price so that he can complete the move.
.
To conclude, I don’t see United going for Bale for that high
a price and definitely don’t see Mourinho letting De Gea go the other way.
United need to prioritize in midfield rather than attack and don’t see Bale as
a needed player. However, his latest actions will surely test Mourinho’s resolve.However, he isn't worth that enormous asking price and the club should drop their interest in him.
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