What's new

Gareth Bale

Bulletspur

The Reasonable Advocate
Match Thread Admin
Oct 17, 2006
10,690
25,246
That’s not really what I meant. Poch will be offered one of the best players in the world. If he turns him down then he’s going to have to give levy pretty damn good reasons as to why. I don’t think it’s comparabke to Sanchez. Besides we’d only take him on a loan deal.
I cannot see any reason for Poch to explain why he doesn't want him.
 

SpartanSpur

Well-Known Member
Jan 27, 2011
12,552
43,063
A side note on the JJ post. I could kinda see why Poch would prefer the head up grafter Lamela to the more inconsistent Moura but looking at the two injury records I'd be moving Lamela on every time.

Not many players could do what Lucas did a week ago. I hope he stays and can improve further. A diamond in the rough, so much natural ability.

As for Bale I've always had a feeling Levy has always fancied trying to bring him back (e.g. the buyback clause). It's why I've been so interested since the loan deal has been mentioned as that sounds like a compromise that could suit us. I guess that's JJ kinda confirming that.

Obviously whether it comes off or not involves a fair few variables still but I'd also love to see him pull that shirt on at the new stadium. Kane, Bale and Son, defences would be terrified.
 

Kempus

Well-Known Member
Aug 22, 2013
183
442
I would love Bale back. Imagine the scenes if Bale comes back and then we draw Real in the CL group stage or KO rounds.
 

Bulletspur

The Reasonable Advocate
Match Thread Admin
Oct 17, 2006
10,690
25,246
Did JJ just not pooh pooh the potential signing of Gareth Bale or am I imagining this?
He seemed to suggest if everything was to be put in place satisfactorily then more than likely he would be back. But there is a lot to happen befoe it could even be considered in earnest.
 

SpartanSpur

Well-Known Member
Jan 27, 2011
12,552
43,063
I cannot see any reason for Poch to explain why he doesn't want him.

The only thing that I could see putting Poch of was if he felt the fire had gone out. He's achieved everything in the game, made a ton of money and tweets more about golf than football. Could he be jaded after a season of abuse from his club and fans? Seems he's a bit of a loner in the dressing room too.

Otherwise I agree. If Levy offers you Bale you have to give it a go. I think in the right environment there's still a hell of a player in there, certainly for another year or two.
 

glospur

Well-Known Member
May 19, 2015
2,608
9,806
Holy shit. I thought it was absolutely no chance of happening, but the posts from minesadouble and JJ on the previous page have made it clear that however slight, it's still a possibility.

Still not going to get my hopes up about this one, but still it's hard not to feel a minuscule ember of excitement at the possibility after reading those two posts.
 

Seoulman

Well-Known Member
Aug 14, 2004
306
774
I wonder how much influence Adidas will hold, if any, in persuading him not to sign for a Nike team.
 

sidford

Well-Known Member
Oct 20, 2003
11,324
29,586
Ok it's early morning when I'm reading JJ's post so forgive me for asking but what's EL?
"How many wingers do we need as MP prefers EL over LM"?
 

ackie

Well-Known Member
Dec 29, 2005
8,780
6,660
Okay, so Gareth Bale (following on from my other post in today's ITK thread).

Firstly there’s the contractual situation. It’s widely known that Spurs have an option on Bale which states that we have 72 hours to match any offer Real Madrid receives (and accepts) for him. In that case, it implies they’d be obliged to sell him to Spurs instead (whether he’d be obliged to come is a moot point of law). This clause only applies to offers from PL clubs.

Now, reputedly, that clause expires in June 2019, or in 6-7 weeks’ time. However, that’s the 6th anniversary of us selling him on the (original) 6 year contract. His RM contract was subsequently improved and extended (see below). It’s possible the small print says our buy-back option would also extend beyond June 2019 in that case.

However, that’s all legal stuff. The general situation is at least as important. Bale is still potentially a great footballer. Anybody who’s unhappy at work struggles to perform consistently to a high level. He’s underappreciated by the fans, the Spanish media and Zidane. He should have left a year ago. The decisive goals in yet another CL final really were the playing moment to say farewell.

But he has a highly lucrative contract until 30th June 2022, paying him the euro equivalent of £600k a week (before tax) with a 1 billion Euros buy-out clause (LOL). He signed the contract. So did RM. Why should Gareth now tear it up? Would you? As an aside, he has lucrative sponsorship deals with Adidas, EA Sports and Lucozade that may well also be linked to him remaining a RM player.

What Madrid forgot (like Man Utd with Sanchez) is basic accounting; that a player is an ‘asset’ in your books, UNTIL they become a ‘liability’. Sign a huge contract and you can’t sell them for a profit. Instead, you have to subsidise their disposal at a loss.

So there is a stand-off between Madrid and Bale with Daniel Levy lurking in the wings. Netflix should produce the box set. High stakes poker and soap opera combined. Nobody, but nobody, is simply going to bale Madrid out (pun intended). They’re on the hook for another Euros 110 million or so of Bale’s wages from 2019 to 2022. Madrid buying his contract out (paying him to go) is a very expensive option. So they’d much rather bully him out (media and manager comments, threatening him with training with the reserves, etc.).

Of course, Jonathan Barnett (his agent) says Bale wants to see out his contract. That’s just sensible employee-law posturing. Of course, the Madrid PR machine is successfully portraying Bale as ‘difficult’. Fans are picking up of this and claiming he has an ego and is entitled and only interested in money. In fact, all Bale wants is a way out that doesn’t let Madrid off the financial hook. The nastier they are, the more his stance is going to harden (but as will his desperation to leave).

Gareth and his agent have been told in no uncertain terms to find another club (that he wants to go to). That’s easier said than done. But then it would be a question of haggling who takes what share of the financial pain (Madrid subsidising a deal, Gareth taking a cut, the new club paying the balance). The question is which club would have him and where would he want to go?

Barcelona? Er, no. Juventus? Ronaldo. Bayern? Maybe. PSG? Maybe. But I really doubt Gareth wants to build a new life for his family in another European country (and language) anyway.

So I think it’s the PL. And that means one of maybe 7 clubs (if we include Everton, with cash to spend). Arsenal? Chelsea? I think he’s had enough fan hate for one lifetime. He knows it wouldn’t be classy to sign for another London club. And Arsenal’s not a happy place. Chelsea has a transfer ban.

City, Liverpool, United? All possible, perhaps. I suspect United would want him most but they’re the least attractive of the three (a rich but unhappy club in the Europa League). Does he want to go up north? Probably not a deal breaker for him but would it be his preference?

And then there’s one known quantity. London. The club with first option on his services should he leave Madrid. The club that’s made massive strides since he left. The club where he was adored and enjoyed many of his best moments.

All the above is a combo of a little ITK and a lot of informed supposition. What I don’t pretend to know is how it will actually play out from here.

But I think I know where Gareth would prefer to go IF he’s wanted. And the man who makes that call is Pochettino. Rightly, people are concerned about dressing room morale. About an injury-prone player. About ‘taking back’ somebody who ‘jilted us’. All valid viewpoints. But all irrelevant if our manager looks Gareth in the eyes and decides he’s worth the risk.

Then it comes down to the haggling. The man who makes that call is Levy. He’d undoubtedly be looking for Madrid (in particular) and Bale (to an extent) to bear the brunt of the pain. Bale must know he can’t leave Madrid and earn his full contract. But he’ll want them to pony up plenty into whatever happens. The “loan deal” reported in the Sun is the most likely way around the impasse, though not at the figures the Sun mentioned. Tabloids don’t appreciate the nuances of accountancy and taxation on what’s called a fee and what’s labelled wages, and what’s paid in Spain and what’s paid elsewhere.

Forget the smoke and mirrors. Initially, it’s all about a 3-way split of £600k per week; what pay cut would the player accept and then how much RM and the other club pay each. The question is will our chairman be prepared to shell out what’s left of Bale’s annual wages after RM and the player have reached a compromise. Could an option-to-buy at the end of a loan be worked out? I think the situation is tailor-made for a Levy-special IF Poch actually wants Bale.

In the end, this is a situation we as Spurs fans think we’ve seen enough times before. A big name gets mentioned. Fans argue the pros and cons. And then the player signs for someone else anyway. History and logic suggest Bale will leave Madrid only to turn up at Bayern, Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge. But this time it wouldn’t be because he’s chosen another club. It would be because we don’t want him enough.

Personally, I hope we do.

Interesting!

Just a few genuine questions:

1. Reports have suggested the loan between 5m while others stated 10m - Do we know the confirmed the loan fee?
2. Does RM still owe us money from the sale of Bale?
3. Isn't this what MoPo may be refering to when he says we have to think and act as a big club and be willing to take risks - include financial and on players - Ex: Big clubs take risk on star players. Poch statement also means an increase in wages,fees and bonuses.
I personally believe MoPo would be interested in working with a star player like Bale but the selling on fees might not attract the risk of Levy. Both may opt for a player like Isco instead.
4. With the interest of RM to Eriksen, and possibly the sale of Alderweireld, the money receive can be partly allocated to wage structure and fees to Bale?
5. A very reliable ITK posted that Bale bought a house last season in Chigwell (Speaking under correction here) - Can that play towards Spurs attracting the player?

I don't expect you to know all these nor do I expect an answer to all my questions but you seem to know a lot of inside stuffs so i thought i'll ask anyway.

Anyway, thanks for all the info.

6. Bale is a versatile player - he has been injured a few times -
 

Yiddo100

Well-Known Member
Jan 16, 2019
9,894
52,009
Great post and absolutely spot on.
Few other things to reinforce- Gareth doesn't have an ego problem.
Daniel and Jonathan B are very close and the original deal for him to go to RM was crafted well for both parties a long time before it happened.
All about doing the best deal on wages for us too and the impact that has on the rest of the squad.
How many wingers do we need as MP prefers EL over LM !! I know i know i know.
Personally i would absolutely love this to happen too!!
??? would love to see Gareth back
 

ackie

Well-Known Member
Dec 29, 2005
8,780
6,660
Okay, so Gareth Bale (following on from my other post in today's ITK thread).

Firstly there’s the contractual situation. It’s widely known that Spurs have an option on Bale which states that we have 72 hours to match any offer Real Madrid receives (and accepts) for him. In that case, it implies they’d be obliged to sell him to Spurs instead (whether he’d be obliged to come is a moot point of law). This clause only applies to offers from PL clubs.

Now, reputedly, that clause expires in June 2019, or in 6-7 weeks’ time. However, that’s the 6th anniversary of us selling him on the (original) 6 year contract. His RM contract was subsequently improved and extended (see below). It’s possible the small print says our buy-back option would also extend beyond June 2019 in that case.

However, that’s all legal stuff. The general situation is at least as important. Bale is still potentially a great footballer. Anybody who’s unhappy at work struggles to perform consistently to a high level. He’s underappreciated by the fans, the Spanish media and Zidane. He should have left a year ago. The decisive goals in yet another CL final really were the playing moment to say farewell.

But he has a highly lucrative contract until 30th June 2022, paying him the euro equivalent of £600k a week (before tax) with a 1 billion Euros buy-out clause (LOL). He signed the contract. So did RM. Why should Gareth now tear it up? Would you? As an aside, he has lucrative sponsorship deals with Adidas, EA Sports and Lucozade that may well also be linked to him remaining a RM player.

What Madrid forgot (like Man Utd with Sanchez) is basic accounting; that a player is an ‘asset’ in your books, UNTIL they become a ‘liability’. Sign a huge contract and you can’t sell them for a profit. Instead, you have to subsidise their disposal at a loss.

So there is a stand-off between Madrid and Bale with Daniel Levy lurking in the wings. Netflix should produce the box set. High stakes poker and soap opera combined. Nobody, but nobody, is simply going to bale Madrid out (pun intended). They’re on the hook for another Euros 110 million or so of Bale’s wages from 2019 to 2022. Madrid buying his contract out (paying him to go) is a very expensive option. So they’d much rather bully him out (media and manager comments, threatening him with training with the reserves, etc.).

Of course, Jonathan Barnett (his agent) says Bale wants to see out his contract. That’s just sensible employee-law posturing. Of course, the Madrid PR machine is successfully portraying Bale as ‘difficult’. Fans are picking up of this and claiming he has an ego and is entitled and only interested in money. In fact, all Bale wants is a way out that doesn’t let Madrid off the financial hook. The nastier they are, the more his stance is going to harden (but as will his desperation to leave).

Gareth and his agent have been told in no uncertain terms to find another club (that he wants to go to). That’s easier said than done. But then it would be a question of haggling who takes what share of the financial pain (Madrid subsidising a deal, Gareth taking a cut, the new club paying the balance). The question is which club would have him and where would he want to go?

Barcelona? Er, no. Juventus? Ronaldo. Bayern? Maybe. PSG? Maybe. But I really doubt Gareth wants to build a new life for his family in another European country (and language) anyway.

So I think it’s the PL. And that means one of maybe 7 clubs (if we include Everton, with cash to spend). Arsenal? Chelsea? I think he’s had enough fan hate for one lifetime. He knows it wouldn’t be classy to sign for another London club. And Arsenal’s not a happy place. Chelsea has a transfer ban.

City, Liverpool, United? All possible, perhaps. I suspect United would want him most but they’re the least attractive of the three (a rich but unhappy club in the Europa League). Does he want to go up north? Probably not a deal breaker for him but would it be his preference?

And then there’s one known quantity. London. The club with first option on his services should he leave Madrid. The club that’s made massive strides since he left. The club where he was adored and enjoyed many of his best moments.

All the above is a combo of a little ITK and a lot of informed supposition. What I don’t pretend to know is how it will actually play out from here.

But I think I know where Gareth would prefer to go IF he’s wanted. And the man who makes that call is Pochettino. Rightly, people are concerned about dressing room morale. About an injury-prone player. About ‘taking back’ somebody who ‘jilted us’. All valid viewpoints. But all irrelevant if our manager looks Gareth in the eyes and decides he’s worth the risk.

Then it comes down to the haggling. The man who makes that call is Levy. He’d undoubtedly be looking for Madrid (in particular) and Bale (to an extent) to bear the brunt of the pain. Bale must know he can’t leave Madrid and earn his full contract. But he’ll want them to pony up plenty into whatever happens. The “loan deal” reported in the Sun is the most likely way around the impasse, though not at the figures the Sun mentioned. Tabloids don’t appreciate the nuances of accountancy and taxation on what’s called a fee and what’s labelled wages, and what’s paid in Spain and what’s paid elsewhere.

Forget the smoke and mirrors. Initially, it’s all about a 3-way split of £600k per week; what pay cut would the player accept and then how much RM and the other club pay each. The question is will our chairman be prepared to shell out what’s left of Bale’s annual wages after RM and the player have reached a compromise. Could an option-to-buy at the end of a loan be worked out? I think the situation is tailor-made for a Levy-special IF Poch actually wants Bale.

In the end, this is a situation we as Spurs fans think we’ve seen enough times before. A big name gets mentioned. Fans argue the pros and cons. And then the player signs for someone else anyway. History and logic suggest Bale will leave Madrid only to turn up at Bayern, Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge. But this time it wouldn’t be because he’s chosen another club. It would be because we don’t want him enough.

Personally, I hope we do.
By the way - June (6th month) - 6 years contract - 6 years since we sold him - Bale is the 666! Lorda mercy!
 

HildoSpur

Likes Erik Lamela, deal with it.
Oct 1, 2005
8,958
28,085
Bale coming back would be a massive statement from the club. If we can do it we 100% should as it would scare the shit out of all the other clubs in the league.
 

JonnySpurs

SC Veteran
Jun 4, 2004
5,345
12,398
Underwhelmed. Did you see how poor he was this season. Just not seeing what others see with this kid. No, I will not consider any mitigating circumstances for how his season has gone, I will harshly judge him on this season and this season alone.

Are you ok?

He scored 14 goals and had 6 assists in 42 apps (Started 21 times). Bearing in mind that he's been having an unhappy time and not consistently starting, I'd say that's pretty good going.

If you want to be against the signing because of injuries, age, wages or any other stuff then fair enough but let's not pretend that he's not still an elite footballer.
 

tommyt

SC Supporter
Jul 22, 2005
6,166
10,978
Great post and absolutely spot on.
Few other things to reinforce- Gareth doesn't have an ego problem.
Daniel and Jonathan B are very close and the original deal for him to go to RM was crafted well for both parties a long time before it happened.
All about doing the best deal on wages for us too and the impact that has on the rest of the squad.
How many wingers do we need as MP prefers EL over LM !! I know i know i know.
Personally i would absolutely love this to happen too!!

How many more wingers do we need? Just the one!
 
Top