Gareth Bale might have been made to feel unwelcome towards the end of his nine-year stint at Real Madrid, but he had several options to pick from as he looked for a new club this summer. A return to Tottenham Hotspur was mentioned as an option, while Cardiff City made a contract offer in an attempt to lure the Welshman back home.
It was speculated that Bale could stay in Spain with Getafe while Jose Mourinho reportedly looked into signing the winger for Roma. In the end, though, Bale joined Los Angeles FC on a year-long contract that has the option for a further six months. The 32-year-old could make his Major League Soccer debut in a matter of weeks.
Bale’s decision was determined by which club could offer him the best preparation ahead of the 2022 World Cup. For all that the 32-year-old has achieved over his career, this winter could define him as a Wales international. Bale has already done so much for his country, but a World Cup run would be something new.
In MLS, Bale will be part of a fluid attacking unit that should play to his strengths in moments of quick transition. However, Steve Cherundolo likes his LAFC side to play an aggressive defensive game when out of possession – something that might be difficult for Bale, who is never one to track back much and help out inside his own half.
The build-up to the 2022 World Cup could potentially see Bale limit his game time. It has been speculated that the 32-year-old may skip some road games, particularly those played on artificial turf. There’s only so much strain his knees can take. Bale will be wary of picking up any injuries before heading to Qatar in November.
MLS’s schedule also means Bale will be able to bookend his season, with the 2022 MLS Cup final to be played on November 5, before joining up with his Wales teammates in Qatar. Los Angeles FC are on course for a positive campaign, currently sitting atop the Western Conference, so it’s possible Bale could get his hands on some silverware to boost his confidence before the World Cup.
“I am extremely excited for this move to LAFC,” Bale said in a statement released on the club’s website following news of his signing. “This is the right place for me and my family and the right time in my career, and I can’t wait to get started working with the team and getting ready to win more trophies in Los Angeles.”
There’s no getting away from the benefits the Californian lifestyle will also offer Bale. The warm weather will help the winger stay in peak physical condition on the pitch while the off the pitch lifestyle was surely a factor in his decision to join LAFC. California isn’t exactly short of top quality golf courses.
LAFC don’t need Bale to achieve their objectives for 2022, nor do they need Giorgio Chiellini who has also agreed to join the Banc of California Stadium outfit. Unlike other franchises that have signed big name players, LAFC see the signing of Bale and Chiellini as bonuses. The core of the team supports them rather than the other way round.
Remarkably, Bale isn’t even a Designated Player for LAFC, instead joining on a Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) deal. This suggests the 32-year-old has taken a significant pay cut to make the move to MLS and hints he isn’t looking at the division as a retirement league, as some players in his position have in the past.
“Gareth is one of the most dynamic and exciting attacking players of his generation,” said LAFC general manager John Thorrington. “Gareth is highly motivated to continue to win trophies and we are elated that he has made the choice to join LAFC and help lead us in our ultimate goal of winning championships.”
Big signings have traditionally come with grand statements about MLS’s growth and development as a league, but Bale’s arrival in California feels different. He wants LAFC to perform a very specific job for him ahead of the 2022 World Cup. His stay in MLS might be a short one if he makes his mark in Qatar this winter. But in choosing LAFC over other options to prepare for the biggest international tournament in soccer, Bale is making a statement about MLS. His goal isn’t to simply retire on a nice paycheck – he’s aiming to put himself in the best possible form for Wales’ first World Cup in 64 years.
