3) Gareth Bale
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Behind the success he has achieved at Real Madrid is a negativity that has seen him become an outcast of sorts in the Real Madrid squad. Gareth Bale has had a stellar career since his then world record move to the Bernabeu; what with three Champions League trophies in his locker.
But there has been a growing resentment simmering just beneath the surface. Fans were no longer in favour of the Welshman starting games and demanded players be selected based on merit rather than reputation. In Bale’s case, it was completely justified this season due to his injuries and Isco’s rise.
Carlo Ancelotti could not make it work at times with Bale and he lost his job over it. Zinedine Zidane has been careful with him but Isco’s rise cannot be ignored. Bale has not been 100% but his resilience and attitude to make it work in Spain is worth saluting (of course, the £350,000 a week after taxes also helps).
Bale’s final season at Tottenham lit up the Premier League and the league has cried out for a player of his ability to tear through defences at will. Manchester United have been linked and Jose Mourinho would welcome a speedy winger considering his current options are Anthony Martial, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and, er, Juan Mata.
The club can afford his wages, but will they be able to prise him away from Real? Not unless Perez forces them to probably double the current record fee.
