Southampton are reportedly eyeing an audacious January move for Gareth Bale, whose days at Real Madrid are numbered.
According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Gareth Bale is the subject of interest from Southampton over a possible move in the January transfer window. The Saints are considering re-signing the Welsh international from Real Madrid following the takeover by Serbian billionaire Dragan Solak.
Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in a then club-record transfer in September 2013. And over the last eight and a half years, the 32-year-old has enjoyed the highest of highs while also enduring some plundering lows. In particular, the player has gone from being a regular fixture to a bit-part figure for Los Blancos in the last couple of seasons.
The 2021/22 campaign has been, by far, Bale’s worst in a Real Madrid shirt, as fitness issues have once again plagued him. As a result, the Welsh international has made just three appearances for the Merengues, scoring one goal in the process. And Bale’s time at Real Madrid appears to be winding down upon the turn of the year.
The experienced attacker has entered the final six months of his Real Madrid contract and is unlikely to be handed a new deal by the club. So, Bale’s days at Real Madrid are numbered, and his next destination could be familiar, with Southampton keen on re-signing him.
The interest from Southampton is understandable, as Bale could single-handedly transform their attacking unit if he can regain his fitness. While that is a big if, the Real Madrid misfit is still a viable target for his former club, who can shell out the big bucks following the takeover by Serbian billionaire Dragan Solak.
However, as is the case with Newcastle United, another one of Bale’s suitors, Southampton might not be an attractive destination for Bale till they can prove that they will make a significant climb up the Premier League standings. Instead, a return to another former club could be a possibility for the Real Madrid forward.
The 32-year-old is a target for Tottenham Hotspur, and he would prefer rejoining them following a largely productive loan spell at the club in the 2020/21 season. With Antonio Conte keen on having Bale under his command, a return to Tottenham could be on the horizon. As for the interest from Southampton, it is unlikely that the Real Madrid misfit will be back at St. Mary’s anytime soon.
