Manxst

Not to mention an aged Ronnie saying he’s staying for another year on his 400k weekly wage.

Bit presumptuous about who I ‘follow’. I could say similar to yourself about not knowing what has happened. Unless of course you have specific insider knowledge. Which I doubt. It’s clear that Bale still has talent, and when selected for Real, he has performed exemplary, even compared to his colleagues there. Yes, Hazard, Isco and Jovic all got frozen out too. Sounds like a club culture so I’d hazard a guess that it has come from the boardroom yes, as with so many decisions at that club where the board try and save their own skins at the expense of proper footballing decisions. (Admittedly this has changed recently, especially with transfer decisions).

We scouted Paqueta before Bruno, and have previously made a bid.

Not at all. Most people think he would come (because of his relationship with Bruno), but most people don’t think we’d be able to spend the cash that would be needed, when other positions need filling first and we also have financial constraints due to FFP.

We all tend to chat here… https://www.readytogo.net/smb/threads/nufc-and-other-sportswashing-spring-2022.1574237/ HTT posts under the name Exile, but I’m not sure about anyone else. ??

Don’t think it’s strange phrasing- it’s pretty well known that Real didn’t pick him even when fit, as their fans were throwing hissy fits about him and what they perceived to be his lack of integration, and the club didn’t want to upset the fanbase. Eg. “At this stage, whether it comes down to trust from Ancelotti or instructions from above, Real Madrid do not want to use Bale unless they have to.” https://www.football-espana.net/2022/03/24/press-attacks-gareth-bale-pathetic/amp

No probs- I’m just being pedantic! I still can’t see exactly what Maldini being Technical Director adds other than in initial talks.

Stefano Pioli?

Real also refused to select Bale even when he was fit at times, and effectively banished him, thereby reducing his stats even further. I’m sure given his haul of five UEFA Champions League titles, four FIFA Club World Cup trophies, three Spanish La Liga, and three UEFA Super Cups with Real Madrid (and being absolutely instrumental in some of those) they’d even begrudgingly admit he was relatively good value.

https://www.sportekz.com/football/psg-players-salaries/amp/ Ramos and Donnarumma aren’t on as high as you’d think, in fairness. Plus, despite Bale’s fondness of golf, lack of selection for Real, and injury label, he’s actually done pretty well there and is probably worthy of his wage in relation to the other players.

Ten Hag and Madrid both want him apparently. Could be their next good wing back- supposedly available for £12m or so.

‘If that’s true’…. No one fucking knows.

Not as much, apparently, but it’s balanced by the free transfer signing on fee lump sum.

England offered him an U19 spot, Albania a full cap. Despite being born in England and at Chelsea since 10 years old, he considers himself Albanian due to his parents (and family over there still) so turned England down.

For what it’s worth, Sky are repeatedly going on the story of us still being interested ‘but prepared to walk away’.

Excitement stain when they mentioned West Brom were (purely coincidentally, of course) off to Portugal for 8 or 9 days for pre season ‘training’.

No problem. But he could have all that AND chance of sporting prowess, greater financial security for his last years, and better fan bases at other clubs which would be interested. Whatever he can get at Brentford, he can get (and much more) elsewhere.

So if he wants to stay in the PL, then presumably he’s got some degree of wanting to do the best he can, rather than just enjoy his football.

I accept that, but think he’ll enjoy his football more being at the upper end of the table and challenging. Just ‘enjoying football’- he might as well go back to Denmark.

No idea what you’re talking about. Why would he stay at Brentford given his age, ability, and the fact he’ll have better offers?

So what is the point you’re arguing? Why would he stay at Brentford?

But what is the reason to stay at Brentford? Simply because they gave him a contract last year? Every team has applauded him- it doesn’t seem that he has some special ‘connection’ at all? Brentford (with respect to them), haven’t got the fanbase, finances, possibility of success etc etc….he can do massively better.

Not if he values winning/playing in a decent team, or earning good money in the last contract he’ll probably get.

But he’s not affiliated. They gave him a 6 month contract to see them through the remainder of the season. Hardly long term.

Just don’t see the Brentford attraction for him. They have him a (6 month) chance after his surgery but he can do much better, can earn more, can try for trophies and play with better players elsewhere. Just don’t see him staying if he has options to go elsewhere.