Considering his hefty pay packet, the unwanted Galactico looks unlikely to remain in Europe when he seemingly inevitably leaves the Santiago Bernabeu
Having previously threatened to stay and play golf until his contract expires after being frozen out of the first team picture, Gareth Bale now appears on the verge of a Real Madrid exit.
Zinedine Zidane told reporters the Welshman was ‘very close to leaving’ the Bernabeu following the 3-1 pre-season defeat to Bayern Munich, with bet365 now offering odds of 13/8 (2.87) on him staying put.
While many of Europe’s elite teams have supposedly shown an interest, the only clubs ever likely to splash out on the 30-year-old’s hefty pay package were the big spenders in China.
Indeed, the likelihood of him ending up in the Chinese Super League by the time the Spanish transfer window closes at the beginning of September is priced at just 1/3 (1.33).
Although previously linked with a move, Bayern Munich’s 10/1 (11.00) ultimately unsuccessful experience with James Rodriguez makes them unlikely to be stung again by another Madrid outcast.
While he would surely be welcomed back with open arms by the fans, it is very difficult to imagine Tottenham 12/1 (13.00) shattering their notoriously strict wage structure to bring their former hero back to north London.
Meanwhile, Manchester United 7/1 (8.00) are surely more focused on getting their own wage structure in order than taking on another mega earner on astronomical wages, although their financial clout does at least make them realistic contenders.
Similarly, Paris Saint-Germain have enough on their plate in trying to balance the books to comply with Financial Fair Play, although a potential swap deal for wantaway star Neymar could make 6/1 (7.00) odds a strong long shot.
Despite MLS’ history of spending big on star talent, the wages of current top earner Zlatan Ibrahimovic are roughly half of Bale’s earnings – hence the long 20/1 (21.00) odds on him heading Stateside.
All odds correct at time of publish. Please gamble responsibly.