A lot of reports are linking us with a move for Bale if we can't get Sancho. I think this would be a good move for a number of reasons.
* For free on a loan or 22m for a permanent transfer, it would free up funds for transfers in more pressing positions.
*After being frozen out by Zidane, he'd be coming with a point to prove, to show that he still has it. Also see James Rodriguez.
*We only have one Champions League winner in our squad, and he never plays. Bale's experience could be invaluable, especially given he was so instrumental in at least two of Madrid's recent wins.
*He could help Daniel James and be a good role model for both James and Mason Greenwood.
*Yes his wages are astronomical, but Madrid are apparently prepared to cover half of them in any loan deal. While still high at 330k a week, that's still less than DDG, who is on the decline. And that's assuming he would want exactly the same wage as he's on now.
The only questions marks for me would be his injury record and the question of whether or not he is still motivated. Other than that I can't really see a downside, especially if it's only a short term deal. The "prefers golf" persona only came about because he and Zidane just don't get on. He really should have been more of a regular in that Madrid team.
What does everyone else think?
Gareth Bale
posted on 14/9/20
It is over the last couple of seasons. He’s missed more games due to injury than Jones has. Jones just hasn’t played as many games as he’s not been selected.
posted on 14/9/20
How many games was Jones actually injured for last season?
Transfermarkt doesn't have the data for last season. I know he was injured.
posted on 14/9/20
I don’t think he missed that many games through injury last year. He’s just not getting picked for match day squads. Though that alone might be why he didn’t get injured as much.
Either way, the fact we’re even having this debate shows why we shouldn’t go near Douglas Costa. It’s the exact reason Juve want rid, as they aren’t trying to sell him for lack of talent.
posted on 14/9/20
I still think he'd be worth a gamble and if we could get him on loan it would be better than going yet another season without anyone. I'd even settle for a short term permanent deal if it made sense financially. Fit and in good physical condition Costa's a dangerous player.
I'd have liked him a few years ago. I always have quite liked him tbh, I know you're not a big fan.
posted on 14/9/20
comment by Donny The King van de Beek (U10026)
posted 1 hour, 19 minutes ago
Di Maria would have been much better for us in this team than Van Gaal’s one.
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Agreed. LVG signed him without having a plan for him. Played him everywhere from CM to CF, left of a diamond, number 10 and right wing.
I don’t like the guy now but it was very difficult for him to succeed that season.
posted on 14/9/20
I think even players with less talent but a good fitness record will be more useful players for us than talented crocks. We’ve clearly got a problem at this club with conditioning, I just think it’s utterly pointless signing another player with a poor fitness record.
Process, I don’t think playing Di Maria in different positions was the biggest problem. He’s one of the most versatile players around and has proven that at all his clubs and for his country.
It was just the restrictive nature of our football that didn’t suit. Di Maria’s always been a player that plays with risk and gives the ball away a lot because of that. Curbing his natural instincts with the ball, and in terms of the positions he can take up, is not going to get the best out of him.
I know he had issues outside the pitch as well, but I think it we’d had Mourinho then instead of Van Gaal Di Maria could have potentially had a more fruitful career at United.
posted on 14/9/20
I think even players with less talent but a good fitness record will be more useful players for us than talented crocks.
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Like Dan James?
posted on 14/9/20
They need to be at least premier league level, I don’t think that’s beyond us.
posted on 14/9/20
comment by Donny The King van de Beek (U10026)
posted 48 minutes ago
I think even players with less talent but a good fitness record will be more useful players for us than talented crocks. We’ve clearly got a problem at this club with conditioning, I just think it’s utterly pointless signing another player with a poor fitness record.
Process, I don’t think playing Di Maria in different positions was the biggest problem. He’s one of the most versatile players around and has proven that at all his clubs and for his country.
It was just the restrictive nature of our football that didn’t suit. Di Maria’s always been a player that plays with risk and gives the ball away a lot because of that. Curbing his natural instincts with the ball, and in terms of the positions he can take up, is not going to get the best out of him.
I know he had issues outside the pitch as well, but I think it we’d had Mourinho then instead of Van Gaal Di Maria could have potentially had a more fruitful career at United.
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That’s fair.
I guess my point is that LVG or the club signed just because he was a big name and had idea if he fitted or how he would be used.
A lot of LVG’s time was a bit like that.
posted on 14/9/20
Yeah that’s also true.