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What's the rumor?
According to Spanish media outlet, AS, the Real Madrid hierarchy have made their decision to sell their most expensive star, Gareth Bale, in the coming transfer window.
The source has made a bold claim that Bale's performance won't matter as the Real Madrid board has already fixed their minds.
In case you didn't know...
Gareth Bale arrived in 2013 as the most expensive player in Real Madrid's history, breaking the record previously held by Cristiano Ronaldo upon his arrival in 2009.
The Welsh winger enjoyed loads of success in the six-season tenure since then. Bale was pivotal as he scored in two Champions League finals for Real Madrid - one against Atletico Madrid in 2014 and one against Liverpool last season.
But arguably, Bale's most majestic moment with Los Blancos will be when he led a Real Madrid without Ronaldo against Barcelona to win the Copa Del Rey. His breathtaking run from the left flank beating Batra still etches in the memories of Madrid fans.
But despite his numerous moments of brilliance, the Welshman has struggled with consistency due to the multiple injuries he endured. Bale was touted to be the one to take on the mantle from Ronaldo when he left for Juventus last summer but the attacker has failed to live up to the expectations.
With just 14 goals and 4 assists so far this season, Real Madrid fans and critics alike have turned against the Welshman.
The heart of the matter
Real Madrid hierarchy has run out of patience with the Welsh forward and Florentino Perez has decided to sell Bale in the coming summer window.
According to the report, Bale's sale will help Real Madrid finance for a 'Galactico', which will help Perez keep his promise to new manager Zinedine Zidane. Manchester United and Bayern Munich remain the only two options for Bale.
Rumour rating: 6/10
Gareth Bale is surely unhappy and never looked like his usual self in this campaign.
Florentino Perez is desperate to revamp the squad with new faces and it is likely that a deal is possible and suit both parties.
What's next?
Despite the decision made by Real Madrid, Bale is set to feature in the remaining La Liga games this season.
