What’s the story?
Gareth Bale has agreed terms to join Manchester United in the summer according to Diario GOL. However, the Welshman is ready to join them only if they qualify for the Champions League.
Real Madrid are planning a squad overhaul and are reportedly unhappy with the fitness of the former Tottenham star. They are said to be willing to cash-in on him this summer and move for Eden Hazard.
In case you didn’t know...
Manchester United have been chasing Bale for a long time. Their first interest in him was during Sir Alex Ferguson's reign, but Tottenham refused to sell him.
In 2013, when the Welshman was on the verge of leaving Spurs, David Moyes was extremely keen on bringing him to Old Trafford. The Red Devils offered £125 million to secure his signing, but the player was only interested in joining Real Madrid and joined them for £85 million.
The heart of the matter
Manchester United have managed to convince Bale to join them finally but have a tough task in their hands now. They have to qualify for the Champions League for the Welshman to make the switch.
Red Devils have two ways of getting into the Champions League next season: One is by finishing 4th and the other by winning the Europa League. Finishing 4th is highly impossible as there are just three games left and they are 4 points behind Manchester City - who sit in the final Champions League spot.
The route via the Europa League is one United have to take now. They are leading 1-0 in the semi-final against Celta Vigo and face the Spanish side in the 2nd leg tomorrow. They need a draw at least to progress into the final where they will meet Ajax or Lyon and win the competition.
What’s next?
Manchester United will now have to try and negotiate a fee with Real Madrid for Bale. Los Blancos signed him £85 million and will try and recoup most of it this summer.
Red Devils spent a world record £89 million on Paul Pogba last summer and Madrid are bound to force them to pay a similar fee for the Welshman too. The forward might be on the transfer list at Bernabeu, but he's not going to come cheap.
Author’s Take
Bale might be getting injured a lot, but when he's fit, he's one of the best in the world. He can run past anyone like they aren't even there and can score crazy goals from 25 to 30 yards! He's precisely the kind of player United need right now and getting him would make them title contenders easily next season.
