Gareth Bale was always on his way out at Real Madrid but the Welsh legend is now making a shocking move to MLS and LAFC, a choice that’s stunned fans.
After leaving Tottenham, Gareth Bale forged his path to Real Madrid back in 2013 and arguably (and likely) the best player in Welsh soccer history spent the prime of his career with the Spanish giants.
However, the big question this summer for the 32-year-old was what would be next for Bale. His contract with Real Madrid is expiring and, with that, there has been a multitude of speculation about his next potential destination. On Saturdday, the answer was finally revealed and, while it might not be the absolute most shocking option, it’s not far from that.
According to multiple reports, Gareth Bale is heading to MLS and will join LAFC as the latest European sensation to make his way to the United State in his mid-30s.
BREAKING: LAFC are finalizing a deal to sign superstar Gareth Bale, per sources.
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) June 25, 2022
Bale is a free agent as his contract with Real Madrid expires this summer. The 32-year-old won 5 Champions Leagues, 3 La Ligas & more in Spain. Deal will NOT require DP spot. https://t.co/pegsSTYV6x pic.twitter.com/oUSXQE9ias
Gareth Bale joining LAFC in shocker: Soccer fans react
The news was a stunner and the soccer world reacted accordingly to it, blessing Twitter with a proper mix of shock, awe, and excitement.
Would much prefer to see Gareth Bale get a few run outs in MLS rather than get kicked lumps out of in the Championship. As cool as it would’ve been to get him back to Wales it’s the right choice.
— Scott Saunders (@__scottsaunders) June 25, 2022
https://twitter.com/MailSport/status/1540735839680053248
Huge day for LAFC. MLS points leader re-signs Carlos Vela as Designated Player and signs Gareth Bale on a non-DP contract right after signing Giorgio Chiellini on a non-DP contract. Still has a DP slot to fill. What's your MLS team doing to keep up? https://t.co/gghKAkXMTS
— Subscribe to GrantWahl.com (@GrantWahl) June 25, 2022
I wish Bale well.
— David Owens (@asoundreaction) June 25, 2022
Makes sense for his fitness.
MLS season finishes on October 9. MLS Cup Final on November 5 (if LA FC make it) 16 days before World Cup begins and a week before the Championship ends.
Plenty of time for Bale to prepare for Qatar.
https://twitter.com/herculezg/status/1540727538204282883
So Gareth Bale is apparently heading to LAFC. I personally think he's missing a great opportunity to join LIV Golf. A player switching from another sport is the one thing the Saudi rebel tour is missing.
— Richard Martin (@RichMartinMcr) June 25, 2022
Major League Soccer pulling in a big name on this Saturday morning with LAFC signing Gareth Bale. The soon to be former Real Madrid player will suit up for Wales in the 2022 World Cup. https://t.co/NVorYI3lPF
— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) June 25, 2022
https://twitter.com/philblanche/status/1540722591089864705
Bale has been immensely successful over his career, particularly the club success he’s enjoyed with Real Madrid over the past near-decade.
However, coming to MLS on a one-year deal with MLS is interesting. He and another prized signing for the Los Angeles-based club, Italian legend Giorgio Chiellini, will be eligible to play by July 8, coincidentally against in-city rivals LA Galaxy. But Bale could also be done by October to keep fit and then be ready for Wales’ first World Cup appearance in over 60 years.
Regardless, this is a move that should indeed pique the interest of soccer fans in MLS and, frankly, should make LAFC favorites to take the league cup given what Bale can still provide.