5 best fits for Gareth Bale

After admitting he needs to play week in, week out, we look at where Gareth Bale should go next. Here are five of the best fits for him.

In his mind, Gareth Bale should’ve started the Champions League final. For much of Bale’s career in a Real Madrid shirt, he’s had to overcome injuries, managerial turnover and the surge of other players.

His debut year of 2013-14 was a dream. Bale scored the goals that won Madrid both a Champions League and Copa Del Rey double. And then the injuries soon piled up, and he couldn’t see the pitch as much as he’d want to.

The manager he enjoyed the most success with, Carlo Ancelotti, was unfairly sacked. Rafa Benitez didn’t do him any favors. And Zinedine Zidane clearly didn’t fancy the Welshman in his lineup, often preferring either Isco or Marco Asensio.

And yet, fair play to Bale, he hasn’t wanted to leave. His Madrid career has largely been a success, despite the injuries. Bale helped Madrid win La Liga last year, and was the difference against Liverpool, winning them a third straight Champions League final. But then he spoke to the media after the game and said this:

"“I need to be playing week in, week out and that hasn’t happened this season for one reason or another. I have to sit down in the summer and discuss my future with my agent and take it from there.”"

Now more than ever, it feels as though a move is imminent for Gareth Bale. Here are five clubs that would suit him best.

5. Manchester United

Let’s start with the most realistic option. This move has Jose Mourinho written all over it. He loves stars and needs high-quality, ready-now players in order to challenge for titles. Manchester United have tried to pry Bale away from Madrid, with no success of course.

But now, this move is very tempting. Mourinho loves fast, powerful players who are battle-tested and can come in day one and produce. Tactically, Bale’s a near-perfect fit for Mourinho’s team.

United need a right-winger, and Bale is a right-winger. You can picture it now, Bale running down the wing at defenders, whipping in crosses for Romelu Lukaku. Or cutting in on his wicked left foot and blasting shots at goal. And yes, he will definitely start every game under Mourinho, barring injury of course.

The more important thing, finances, won’t be an issue either. Manchester United are one of the most popular clubs in the world, they generate revenue better than most. They can afford whatever fee Madrid throw at them, including his wages. If Bale needed any more persuading, there once was a great Welshman who played for United. His name is Ryan Giggs. Bale can emulate him at United and once again take the Premier League by storm.