Tottenham Hotspur have signed Gareth Bale on a one-year loan. There will be an option to extend this loan to a second year, as Alasdair Gold understands.
The Welshman returns to North London after he left to join Real Madrid in 2013. Madrid will be responsible for paying some of Bale’s wages, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Gareth Bale Returns to Tottenham Hotspur
Bale. Is. Back.
Welcome home, @GarethBale11 😍 #BaleIsBack ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/iOIWC2ZwtC
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 19, 2020
Bale Can Rejuvenate Fallen Spurs Side
Since Bale’s last stint at the club, the club have steadily climbed towards success in the Premier League and in Europe. However, a decline began in Mauricio Pochettino’s late reign, culminating in his dismissal. Jose Mourinho has since arrived but has not been able to steer Spurs straight back to Champions League finals and top-four finishes. Nevertheless, that will be the club’s aim this season.
By bringing back the Welshman, the club adds quality and experience as well as depth to the squad. Bale will have a much more important role in the side and new goals to aim for.
Furthermore, he has the crucial experience of being a serial winner. Bale has won the Champions League four times with Madrid, as well as two La Liga titles.
Potential Issues
There are perhaps two issues surrounding Bale. The first is that he is injury-prone; he was often sidelined at Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Spurs are a club that has recently suffered from injury crisis after injury crisis.
Over the past few seasons, many of their key personnel have fallen to long-term injuries. Most recently, Harry Kane and Hugo Lloris, captain and club captain alike, have had lengthy spells out.
It is unknown as to why Spurs have been so crippled with injuries. One potential answer is that the squad isn’t quite deep enough to protect its players.
Regardless, Bale may become less injury-prone with a more consistent role in Tottenham’s squad.
The other issue could be Bale’s attitude. At Real Madrid, he was quite unprofessional. Former teammate Dimitar Berbatov criticised his behaviour: “When I saw it, I couldn’t believe it [Bale’s behaviour on the bench during a match]. I watched him put his mask over his eyes and pretend to be asleep. I cannot support that. It is unprofessional and disrespectful to Real Madrid.”
Again, with Bale having a much more important role in the squad, he may not behave as he did at Madrid. After all, it could also be argued that he was not treated well by the fans or by Zidane. Thus, his antics at Madrid may not follow him back on the flight back to the UK.
Verdict on Gareth Bale’s Return
Spurs fans have been wishing for their former talisman to return for many years now. This loan deal comes perhaps a couple of years too late, but Bale’s quality and experience will undoubtedly add quality to the squad.
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