5 possible destinations as Gareth Bale heads for Real Madrid exit

The future of Gareth Bale has been the subject of some pretty intense media speculation since he arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu back in the summer of 2013. Despite the constant reports of his impending departure, he has played a key role in a era of European dominance for Los Blancos, but it now appears that after six years at the club his time has come to an end.

But this does not mean that his career is at an end, or that he is even in decline. He is still yet to turn 30. Injuries have had a significant impact on his influence in recent times, but there is an argument over how Real Madrid have protected and treated the player they once paid a world record fee for.

Zinedine Zidane benefited from a fully-fit Bale in his first stint as manager, but the factious relationship that came to public head following the UEFA Champions League success of 2018 appears to be a bridge beyond repair. Zidane appreciates how influential Bale has the potential to be, but appears likely to replace the Welsh talisman in the summer and start a cycle of high-profile European transfers in the process.

As a player who has relied on his pace as a key strength, the constant injuries have prevented Bale from producing the sort of performances that prompted Real Madrid to invest so much money into his services in the first place. Wales manager Ryan Giggs had to adapt his game in the latter years of his career to combat his growing injury problems, but Bale does not have the technical range to follow the same path.

So, with his future now likely to be away from the Spanish capital, here are five possible destinations where Bale could find himself very soon.

#5 - A Return to Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino could bring the best out of Gareth Bale

This is the start of an exiting new era for Tottenham Hotspur as their new stadium moves the club closer to their top six rivals. In manager Mauricio Pochettino, the club boast one of the most highly-rated coaches in the world game, and their increasing revenue streams dictate an exciting future may just be around the corner for the north London club.

Bale knows all about Spurs and he would be warmly welcomed back to the club by the fans. It was during his previous time at the club that he came to prominence with his performances in the UEFA Champions League, and if it had not been for the allure of joining a club as big as Real Madrid, he may never have left White Hart Lane to begin with.

Together with their impressive new stadium, Spurs also have one of the best-equipped training facilities in Europe, and the care that Bale would receive in terms of injury prevention and treatment would embarrass Real Madrid. He is a finely-tuned athlete that requires the very best care in order to play at the very best of his ability. Spurs can provide this.

Moving back to London would also be an attractive option for Bale's young family. Language would no longer be an issue, and a short journey back to Cardiff would bring him and his wife closer to their wider family and friends too. However, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy remains prudent in his financial management of the club, and sanctioning such an investment on a player like Bale could prove to be the stumbling block.

#4 – The Manchester United rumour

Gareth Bale would relish another chance to play in the English Premier League

A report that has been around since Bale first established himself as a leading figure in the European game is that he will one day join Manchester United. The club's desperation to return to the top has seen significant amounts of money being invested on big names, and their general failure to produce has seen those names replaced with other big name flops ever since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

Now Ole Gunnar Solskjær is the latest to be tasked with delivering the rebuilding programme, and he will inevitably be interested in a player that has the attitude of Bale. Too many of his big name players have shown a lack of desire in recent seasons, but there is a honesty about Bale in his play that means he will give everything for the club he represents.

Like Real Madrid, Manchester United is an attractive prospect for any professional footballer, and the opportunity to play a part in reviving the club to former glory could act as the catalyst in sealing the deal. Bale will understand the opportunity of becoming a central figure for the side, and the chance of redemption from his current disappointment in Spain.

Wages will not be an issue for Manchester United either, and if Solskjær decides that Bale is the man to lead United into a new era then he only has to name his price. A move to England will always be attractive for Bale and his family, and the draw of playing at Old Trafford and the Premier League is something he would find difficult to turn down should the opportunity finally arise after years of speculation.

#3 – The Chinese connection

Gareth Bale enjoyed success with Wales under the management of Chris Coleman

However, should Bale decide on a completely new challenge, there is a connection for him in the Chinese Super League. Former Wales manager Chris Coleman is the current manager of Hebei China Fortune, and the pair enjoyed their greatest hour together when Wales reached the semi-final of UEFA EURO 2016. The chance to once again work with his former boss would be a very attractive prospect for Bale.

Chinese clubs have made significant investments into players like Bale, and the standard of football would ensure that he would be an instant success. The slower pace of the game in comparison to the Premier League would work in his favour as injuries continue curtail his influence in this key aspect of his game, and he would very much be the big fish in a small pond.

However, Bale has struggled with Spanish despite spending the last six years in Madrid, and learning Chinese would be a complete different prospect all together. Quite simply, it would never happen. As a cultural experience though, it would represent an incredible opportunity for him and his family, and Coleman has the persuasive charm to attract them to the Far East if the move looks like becoming a reality.

The chance of Bale making this particular switch at this time in his career though appears slim. Despite his injuries and lack of current form, he still has more to offer than the Chinese Super League, and this may be an option for another day later in his career.

#2 – Juventus reunion

Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo spent five seasons together in Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo made the successful switch from Real Madrid to Juventus, and his influence at the Serie A club could prompt them to make another audacious bid. Ronaldo and Bale had an interesting relationship at Madrid, and while they may not have been close friends, there was clearly a bond and healthy professional respect between the pair.

Of course, they had their moments when things were not going to plan, but their partnership brought the best out of the other on more than one occasion. Juventus have short and long-term plans to restore themselves back to the top of the European game, and such signings are a necessity of achieving such status, both on and off the field.

Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsey will move to Turin in the summer, and Bale would relish the opportunity of linking-up with his Wales team-mate for club as well as country. The duo complement each other perfectly and were a key partnership as Wales qualified for, and then defied the odds to reach the last four, of EURO 2016.

However, Ramsey is a significant investment for Juventus if reports of his salary are to be believed, and a move for Bale may have to wait until Ronaldo leaves the wage bill. Italian football remains a poor relation to some of Europe's other leagues, and fielding Ronaldo, Ramsey and Bale in the same team may tip the financial scales from making this move a reality.

#1 – Inter Miami CF

David Beckham could see Gareth Bale as the perfect signing to launch Inter Miami CF

Club President David Beckham will need a high-profile signing to launch Inter Miami CF in 2020, and there are plenty of reasons why Bale can tick that particular box. His arrival from Real Madrid would be popular with the community that the club will be looking to attract, and it is the left-field signing that would ensure Beckham's latest brand makes headlines around the football world.

The pace of Major League Soccer would suit Bale at the present time, and he certainly has the potential to play a starring role in the MLS should the opportunity arise. Moving to the United States would be beneficial in terms of the weather, language, anonymity, family life and golf, so there are plenty of positives for him to consider both on and off the field.

Beckham himself made the same switch from Real Madrid to LA Galaxy in the latter years of his career, and became a defining figure in MLS history. His influence as a player has now passed, and Bale could provide a similar spark in terms of generating interest and raising the profile as others have done before him. It is an environment that would certainly suit both his character and lifestyle.

However, Inter Miami CF are yet to kick a ball, and it would be a significant risk for Bale to commit himself at such a key time in his career to a yet unfinished project. There could be other options for him in the MLS, but his status commands a move to a club that are expected to set a new standard in terms of profile once they start to compete. Maybe this is actually one for Ronaldo.