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Could Gareth Bale move to MLS? Rumors of DC United transfer swirl around Real Madrid forward
With Gareth Bale almost certain to depart Real Madrid this summer at the expiration of his contract, there’s been speculation about where the Wales international could land.
A divisive figure at the Bernabeu, Bale has spent eight seasons with the Spanish side since joining from Tottenham in the summer of 2013 for a massive $111 million transfer fee.
At 32 years old, it’s unclear where Bale will land next. He proved his worth back at Tottenham on loan last season, but still sparks debate about his abilities on a consistent basis. With his ultimate destination still very much unknown, rumors tend to fill the void.
One report from the United States suggests that Bale could make his way to Major League Soccer, and while it sounds like there’s still lots of work to do on that front, the connection has reportedly been established and talks are ongoing.
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Gareth Bale to DC United rumors
According to a report by Steven Goff of the Washington Post on April 21, DC United has held talks with Bale’s agents multiple times over the last few months.
Goff’s report states the two sides chatted “months ago” but it “didn’t go anywhere,” suggesting that the latest talks came much more recently.
D.C. United in talks with Gareth Bale’s reps about move to MLS, I’m told. (They actually spoke months ago but didn’t go anywhere.) Sides exchanging proposals but unclear whether It will pick up speed. DCU prepared to pay more than Wayne Rooney in 2018. Bale leaving Real Madrid.
— Steven Goff (@SoccerInsider) April 21, 2022
For what it’s worth, Goff then followed that up by saying it “certainly seems very far-fetched” that Bale would end up at United.
The match would actually make a lot of sense for both sides. For Bale, at 32 years old, he may find a landing spot at another top European club, but it would likely be on a more short-term basis. He might decide to take the bigger payday and move to a league he would undoubtedly dominate.
For DC United, obviously the acquisition of a top European player would be enormous, but even on a more macro level the match makes sense. The club, which sits bottom of the Eastern Conference through the first seven games of the season, has a Designated Player spot open and is looking to replace the wide attacking presence of Paul Arriola, who departed in the offseason.
The money DC United paid for Wayne Rooney beginning in 2018 — which Goff’s report says Bale could eclipse — was $2.76 million per year. The MLS side would almost surely have to eclipse that by a significant margin to entice Bale, who reportedly makes a staggering $782,000 per week at Real Madrid.
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Why is Gareth Bale leaving Real Madrid?
While Bale is clearly still a very talented player, things have become untenable for the Wales international at Real Madrid.
The 32-year-old has fallen almost completely out of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans at the Bernabeu, making just five league appearances this season and scoring one goal. He spent last season on loan at Tottenham, scoring 11 goals in 20 Premier League appearances, but it wasn’t enough to convince the Madrid boss he’s deserving of a regular place.
In addition, Bale has faced fierce — often excessive — criticism from Madrid fans for just about everything, ranging from his love of golf to a perceived inability to make the club a priority. Bale, who has had enormous moments during his eight seasons with the club, has become a scapegoat for anything and everything that went wrong.
With Bale’s contract up this summer, and both the fans and local media turned against him, there’s no way Bale decides to stay at Madrid past this season.