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Gareth Bale became the world’s most expensive footballer last summer after a controversial deadline day transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to Real Madrid. The fee was believed to be in the region of £85 million.
We all know that he isn’t the greatest footballer of all time or even his generation, so was the fee worth it?
After a remarkable 2012-13 campaign, the Welshman was always going to be targeted by the biggest clubs in the world, including Real Madrid. I’m not a fan of Real Madrid’s transfer tactics, which is to offer a ridiculous load of money straight away and expect their target to accept.
Their first offer for Bale was over £70 million. Understandably the football industry is growing and all clubs are willing to pay more to lure in their targets, but that is still a hefty sum to offer straight up for any player.
Since moving to the Santiago Bernabéu, Bale has continued to become a dominant force in the modern era, notching up an impressive 20 goals with a further 16 assists in just 34 games. That included his solo effort in the Copa del Rey final against fierce rivals FC Barcelona, which proved to be the match winner.
Unfortunately for the 24 year-old, he didn’t have the ability to single-handedly propel his side into the World Cup like teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. But he will hopefully star next year for Real Madrid, and his brightest days are ahead of him.
For his first season in such a big club like Real, Bale has proved his reliability on a number of occasions with his excellent skills, pace, crossing and remarkable long shots and free kicks. He will no doubt continue to thrive and come back even better next season. For now though, I think he has a fair way to go to live up to that price tag that Madrid paid for him. His age helps, which gives me belief that he can prove himself worthy.
Club statistics:
2006–2007
Southampton – 40 (5 goals)
2007–2013
Tottenham Hotspur – 146 (42)
2013–present
Real Madrid – 26 (14)
International statistics:
2005–2006
Wales U17 – 7 (1 goal)
2006
Wales U19 – 1 (1)
2006–2008
Wales U21 – 4 (2)
2006–present
Wales – 44 (12)
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