by Michael Wicherek
TREATMENT of Gareth Bale from the Real Madrid fans has been labelled “a disgrace” by his agent, as the Welsh star’s relationship with supporters looks to be deteriorating.
Jonathan Barnett’s comments followed the booing of Bale as he was substituted during Saturday’s El Clasico defeat at the Bernabeu. It also comes off the back of recent claims from fellow teammates that he does not speak Spanish and refused a night out with the team as he struggles to adapt to the Madrid lifestyle.
Despite numerous claims that these accusations are false and continued insistence that Bale is happy in the Spanish capital, the consensus among football fans is the forward will be on his way out in the summer.
If Bale where to leave the European champions, where would he fit in the best? Unsurprisingly Man Utd have been linked with a move as well as a potential return to Spurs, however which team would Bale be the best fit at?
Real Madrid league stats this season
Name Appearances (sub) Goals Assists Minutes per goal Pass percentage
Gareth Bale 16(5) 7 2 188.7 79.4%
Isco 5 (11) 1 2 626 87.8%
Vinicius 8 (7) 2 0 372 76.4%
Marco Asensio 12 (8) 1 2 1126 87.7%
Lucas Vazquez 12 (9) 1 3 1173 83.8%
Bale has outscored his teammates of similar positions by a considerable amount, begging the question why he has received the abuse from the Madrid fans.
Man Utd
The Red Devils form has turned around under new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and they have a squad boasting Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Alexis Sanchez in the position that Bale plays. United also have the financial capacity to land Bale but how does he compare to their current players.
Name Appearances (sub) Goals Assists Minutes per goal Pass percentage
Marcus Rashford 19(6) 9 6 190.9 79%
Alexis Sanchez 8(9) 1 3 791 74.5%
Anthony Martial 15(5) 9 2 142.1 80.7%
Jesse Lingard 15(7) 4 2 322.5 85.1%
Bale’s stats this season are impressive but do not standout among the stars Man Utd already have. Age is also not on the Welshman’s side with three of the four attackers younger than him, although a player of his quality is sure to be welcomed in Manchester.
Spurs
Bale’s former club are lacking depth in the attacking department but may struggle to finance a move, although a swap deal involving Christian Eriksen has been rumoured.
Name Appearances (sub) Goals Assists Minutes per goal Pass percentage
Son Heung-Min 18 (5) 11 5 145.8 84.9%
Lucas 17 (6) 6 0 243.3 75.6%
Erik Lamela 8 (10) 4 2 224 83.6%
Bale would certainly form a devastating attack with Harry Kane and Son with Dele Alli behind them, however the finances could hamper the move.
With Chelsea under a transfer ban and Liverpool settled on a front three, where should Bale go?
Where should Gareth Bale go in the summer?
— Michael Wicherek (@michaelwicherek) March 5, 2019