La Liga clubs have been splashing the cash in the summer transfer window, but the rumour is despite having already bought in Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo (to name but a few) it seems Real Madrid are not done yet.
However, only if they can get rid of a couple of thorns in their side one of them being the world’s best-paid golfer: Gareth Bale.
It has been clear for quite some time now the Welsh wizard has fallen out of favour with both the fans and manager at the Bernabeu but with whopping wages, it seems everything is at a stalemate.
If Real are to land their other target Paul Pogba this summer, Bale has got to go, but it won’t be easy. After all, it seems no one really wants an injury-prone 30-year-old.
That’s a little unfair, clubs do want Bale as he has undeniable talented, but no one can afford to pay the close to £400,000 per week the Welshman earns.
And that is the sticking point. Why should Bale take a pay cut to move when there is still time on his contract? – That is exactly the stance he is taking.
Real Madrid are going to have to accept a hit on Bale and may even have to supplement his wages for a period of time but they must accept that so they can move on.
James Rodriguez is also deemed surplus to requirements in the bid for Los Blancos to land Paul Pogba but having time away on loan – that deal looks a little easier to make.
Both former superstars must depart the Bernabeu if Pogba is to come in and if that does happen, expect another transfer market explosion.
Manchester United will have a major hole in their midfield as it seems clear Bale is not wanted at Old Trafford and clubs around the world will know the Red Devils are cash-rich and chuck at least £10 million onto the price.
Plenty of pieces of the puzzle need to fall into place in order for this transfer to happen, but it only takes one spark to set everything in motion.
One thing is assured though, this is going to rumble on right until the end of the transfer window with both Real Madrid and Manchester United playing hardball.
Paul Pogba to Real Madrid is likely, but it may not be this summer.
