Gareth Bale set for return to English football with Spurs a possible destination

Gareth Bale could be set for a remarkable third spell with Tottenham Hotspur when his time with Real Madrid comes to an end, according to reports. 

The winger is expected to leave the Spanish capital when his current deal expires in June, having been openly unhappy during the last few years of his time there.

The former Southampton man has struggled for game time once again this term, starting just four La Liga matches all season and playing just seven minutes of Champions League football.

Bale moved to Real Madrid from Spurs for a fee of £90 million in 2013, but has struggled to maintain a regular starting spot throughout his time in Spain and has played just 176 league games in the nine years since his move.

Despite his troubles, the Welshman has still managed a remarkable 106 goals for the Spanish giants in all competitions, and he has also won four Champions League titles, four FIFA Club World Cups, two La Liga titles and a Spanish Cup.

Bale’s frustrations during his time in Madrid have been well documented

Now, with his time in Madrid coming to an end, it appears that both Spurs and Cardiff City are in the race to sign the forward.

As per Wales Online, the odds of Bale joining Cardiff have been slashed, leaving the second tier side joint favourites with Tottenham to be Bale’s next employers.

Bale is a boyhood Bluebirds fan and it is believed that he would consider dropping to the Championship to join the club.

Finances are likely to be an issue in a potential deal, however, as the player would have to agree to a significant wage cut, considering that he is currently one of the world’s best paid players.

One of the other options currently on the table for the 32-year-old is a return to North London with Spurs, who will likely look to bolster their attacking options over the summer in order to ease the pressure on Harry Kane’s shoulders.

Bale spent six years with the Lilywhites before departing for Madrid, and returned to the club on loan for the 2020/21 season.

The Welsh international boasts an impressive record for Spurs, scoring 72 goals in 237 games and providing a further 61 assists.