Report: Real Madrid star Gareth Bale to join Los Angeles FC
Real Madrid star winger Gareth Bale is set to join Los Angeles FC on a one-year deal, according to Tom Bogert of MLSSoccer.com.
Bale, 32, began his career with Southampton in 2006 and then spent a six-year stint with Tottenham Hotspur. In 2013, Bale joined Real Madrid on a then record breaking deal and played sevens seasons with the team before the relationship soured. He spent the 2020-21 season on loan with Tottenham and returned to Real Madrid the following year, but spent the majority of his final season on the bench.
In five appearances with Real Madrid last season, Bale scored four goals. In June, he announced he'd leave the team when his contract expires this summer.
The addition of Bale is a massive coup for LAFC and Major League Soccer, even if the Welsh star is nearing the end of his career. Earlier this month, LAFC also reached a deal to add former Juventus center-back Giorgio Chiellini.
Bale was reportedly mulling retirement, but put that on hold when his home country of Wales earned a spot in the 2022 World Cup.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Bale will have the option to extend his contract with LAFC for 18 months. He'll be eligible to make his debut with the team after the MLS transfer window opens on July 7.
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