Gareth Bale, the former Tottenham star, has shed light on his pivotal transfer decisions during the summer of 2013. He disclosed that Manchester United made a substantial offer to secure his services before he ultimately joined Real Madrid for a then-world record fee.
United’s Bid and Madrid’s Offer
In the summer of 2013, Manchester United and Real Madrid showed keen interest in Bale. United, under the management of David Moyes, made a bid that exceeded that of Madrid. However, Bale had already set his sights on the Santiago Bernabéu.
Bale’s Record Transfer to Real Madrid
- Transfer fee: £85 million
- Transfer year: 2013
- Club: Real Madrid
Gentleman’s Agreement with Tottenham
During his appearance on the Stick to Football podcast, Bale explained that he had a “gentleman’s agreement” with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy. According to Bale, this agreement allowed for a move to another club if Tottenham failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Bale stated, “If a team did come in from Spain, Italy or wherever, I could potentially go.” This understanding partly shaped his decision to go to Madrid instead of remaining in the Premier League.
Negotiations and Wages
When asked about joining Manchester United, Bale clarified that he did not seriously negotiate terms with the club. He acknowledged their offer of a superior wage but emphasized that it did not gain momentum. Reports indicated Bale secured a deal worth £300,000 per week at Madrid.
Moyes’ Pursuit of Major Players
David Moyes, who had a brief tenure at Manchester United, has previously mentioned his intentions to sign several big names, including Bale. He highlighted the dual focus on Cesc Fabregas and Bale during the transfer market that summer.
Moyes noted, “We wanted Cesc Fabregas, Gareth Bale, and Cristiano Ronaldo.” However, the club eventually signed Marouane Fellaini from Everton for £27.5 million.
These reflections from Bale shine a light on his monumental career choices and the competitive nature of football transfers during that era.
