Transfer news: Gareth Bale expected to leave Tottenham by tomorrow - at least Real Madrid think so as they prepare stadium for his presentation
Pictures have emerged in Spain of a stage being erected within the Santiago Bernabeu which is normally used to announce the Spanish clubs latest signings
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Real Madrid are reportedly preparing the directors’ box in the Santiago Bernabeu ahead of Gareth Bale’s imminent arrival, with the Spanish club hoping to announce the signing of the Tottenham winger tomorrow.
Spanish newspaper AS has obtained pictures of a stage being erected beside the Bernabeu pitch, often seen when the Spanish club announce their latest signings, and fans will remember the 80,000 that turned up at the historic stadium to witness the unveiling of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Kaka in 2009.
The transfer saga surrounding Bale has been up-and-down across the last couple of days, with the will he/won’t he question never more appropriate through the entire summer.
Real officials had been determined to push the deal through this weekend, and Spurs were willing to sell as they closed in on Aznhi attacking midfielder Willian as a suitable replacement.
However, Chelsea’s late bid for the Brazilian on Thursday night infuriated Spurs chairman, and he reportedly considered calling off the Bale talks unless a replacement could be found. When Jose Mourinho spoke in a press conference earlier today, he gave the nod to say William had chosen to join the Blues, threatening to completely derail Bale’s move.
The Welshman has been determined to move to Real since informing Levy he needed to take this “once in a lifetime opportunity”, as described by former Madrid favourite and current assistant coach Zinedine Zidane.
Bale became unhappy with Levy’s stubbornness in refusing to sell the 24-year-old, and the move looked to be stalling towards a collapse earlier this week, but it now seems that real remain confident that they will get their man sooner rather than later.
Stadium tours have also been postponed tomorrow, leading many to expect some sort of event at the Bernabeu, and with Real Madrid’s next fixture away to Granada on Monday, there would be plenty of time between now and then to announce that you’ve broken the world-record transfer fee for the third time in four years.
Click HERE to see pictures of the Santiago Bernabeu directors' box being prepared
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments