Gareth Bale is staying at the Bernabeu. That’s the message from the Real Madrid player’s agent, who has responded to recent rumours that the Welsh winger is poised to return to the Premier League this summer.
“Gareth is a Real Madrid player and loves Real Madrid and Real Madrid love Gareth,” Barnett replied. “All this talk about leaving is written by reporters who have no idea what is going on and who need to write something and don’t care if it is true or not.”
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Nonetheless, there have been indications in recent months from Spain that Real would be open to offers for the 28-year-old Bale, whose injury record has severely limited his game time in the last 18 months.
After Saturday’s 1-1 derby draw with Atletico Madrid, the Welshman was sharply criticised by former Real manager Jorge Valdano, who snarled that “nothing that Bale does is worth €100m”.
Last week it was reported by the Daily Express that Real Madrid were set to offer Bale in part-exchange for Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
-
The week's best photosIn Pictures A human pyramid, a church on wheels, and more
-
The Week Unwrapped: Is it time for a new world map?Podcast Plus, why is the pope getting flatmates? And why are seagull 'muggings' on the rise?
-
Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid: 'more than just a novelty'The Week Recommends Europe's first plug-in hybrid pickup is 'surprisingly agile'
-
How do new stadiums affect football clubs?In the Spotlight Everton's decision to move its men's team out of Goodison Park could be a catalyst for vital change, but there are cautionary tales too
-
Liverpool's Anfield redemption: how did they do it?Talking Point Arne Slot's blueprint and standout player performances guide the Reds to record 20th league title
-
Where are all the English football managers?Talking Point Eddie Howe's Carabao Cup success underlines absence of homegrown coaching talent in the Premier League
-
New Trafford: can it fix Manchester United's footballing problems?Talking Point Plan for £2 billion stadium despite staff job losses and lack of success on the pitch
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden bootfeature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
