What’s the story?
Manchester United are set to splash an incredible £128m for the services of two Real Madrid superstars, namely Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez – according to English outlet Daily Star. The reports come following Real Madrid’s 4-1 away win over Sevilla, which helped them remain in pole position to win La Liga.
James Rodriguez was handed a rare start by Zinedine Zidane, however, it was his substitution that raised the most eyebrows as the Colombian internation trudged out of the pitch while applauding the Santiago Bernabeu faithful.
The gesture by Rodriguez looked akin to a goodbye to the fans, as this was Madrid’s last home game of the season, the Colombian also received a standing ovation from the fans. The actions of the Colombian superstar has sent the rumour mills into frenzy and he is being heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.
In case you didn’t know…
James Rodriguez has been constantly linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu after falling down the pecking order under Zinedine Zidane, which saw his game time reduce drastically. The Colombian was reportedly close to an exit in the winter transfer window, however, a transfer didn’t materialize possibly because Madrid wanted to keep hold of him to negate the fixture congestion during the business end of the season.
Gareth Bale, on the other hand, has had a nightmare of a season, which has seen him spend lengthy spells on the sidelines due to injury. The report adds that the Real Madrid heirarchy have become frustrated with the injury problems of their record signing and are willing to let him leave in the summer and are looking to recuperate a good part of the £85.3 million they spent for his services in 2013.
The heart of the matter
Manchester United have not had the best of seasons under new manager Jose Mourinho, despite their astronomical spending in last summer’s transfer window, which included the arrival of Paul Pogba from Juventus for a world record fee. The Red Devils are destined to finish sixth this season, one position below than they managed last season.
Mourinho is planning an expensive summer overhaul of the squad and the duo are said to be his prime targets to help improve his side’s attack, which has been profligate at best.
What’s next?
The probability of James Rodriguez leaving Real Madrid goes by the day, and while Bale is understood to be happy with life at the Santiago Bernabeu, the Red Devils’ immense interest in him and their strong financial muscle makes almost any deal viable, even in today’s market.
Author's Take
It is being reported that Manchester United are set for their biggest ever summer transfer window, with some publications even indicating that they are planning to spend in excess of £250 million to secure the services of their prime targets.
While there is no doubt that the Old Trafford outfit possesses the financial muscle to pull off deals like this, it is unlikely that Real Madrid would sanction two high-profile departures like that of Rodriguez and Bale in the same transfer window. But we have seen more insane things happen in the world of football, and hence, one cannot rule out this too.
