Why Gareth Bale to Man Utd ‘Makes Sense’

CHARLIE MALAM

Gareth Bale to Manchester United is a transfer that ‘makes sense’ despite the extraordinary finances the Red Devils would have to commit to a deal.

That’s the verdict of player-turned-pundit Jan Age Fjortoft.

Gareth Bale is seemingly on the verge of ending his six-year spell with Spanish giants Real Madrid following Zinedine Zidane’s comments yesterday.

Explaining why the Welshman did not face Bayern Munich in a friendly in the United States, Zidane said: “He wasn’t included in the squad because the club is working on his departure and that’s why he didn’t play.

“We’ll have to see what happens in the coming days. We’ll have to see if it goes through tomorrow, if it does then all the better.

“Let’s hope, for everyone’s sake, that it happens soon. The club is dealing with the club that he’ll move to.”

Bale’s agent Jonathan Barnett has since hit back at the Frenchman, branding him a “disgrace” and added to AFP: “If and when Gareth goes it will be because it is in the best interest of Gareth and nothing to do with Zidane pushing.”

Bale’s eye-watering £600,000-a-week wages at the Bernabeu have so far prohibited any potential exits. Manchester United are one of the few clubs with the financial clout to be able to take on the player’s salary and have been heavily linked with the 30-year-old for years.

But speculation has died down in the past 18 months considering the disappointment of another ageing winger’s Old Trafford spell in Alexis Sanchez.

The Chilean, who is the same age as Bale, is thought to be the highest-paid player in the Premier League but has struggled to justify his big wages having been a shadow of the electric winger he was at Arsenal. With Bale having suffered badly with injuries during his time in La Liga and with the former Tottenham ace having turned 30 this week, United could understandably be cautious about any move despite the player’s world-class abilities.

But amid suggestions China might be Bale’s next destination, despite the fact the player reportedly does not want to take his talents to the Far East, Fjortoft has backed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to make a move for the two-time PFA Player of the Year.

Ex-Swindon, Middlesbrough and Sheffield United forward Fjortoft said on Twitter: “Bale to Man UTD makes sense. 

“Ole wants young English prospects, but the club also needs some “it”. Some “proven records”. Some “seen it done it”. Tell the young kids “how to win the big trophies”. 

“Bale can give them that.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made two signings so far this summer in Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for just below £70m.

But the Norwegian is also keen on £80m-rated centre-back Harry Maguire and midfield duo Sean Longstaff and Bruno Fernandes, with the pair likely to set United back over £100m combined if they land deals for both players.