Gareth Bale looking to return to Real Madrid after Tottenham Hotspur loan

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Gareth Bale has been quoted by The Athletic as saying that he expects to return to Real Madrid at the end of his season-long loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur – despite hopes from sections of the Spurs support that he would extend his current loan.

Bale, 31, returned to Tottenham last summer on loan until the summer – and has since been in the headlines week in, week out. Whether it is his struggling form, his inability to produce his best, or his recent upturn in form, he is constantly discussed.

The 83-time Wales international has scored 10 goals in his 25 league and cup appearances for Spurs, while also laying on three assists. His contract at Real will expire in the summer of 2022 and there is believed to be the option for another year at Spurs.

However, Bale has now stated that he is planning to return to Real Madrid this summer when his loan deal expires – rather than extending it by another 12 months until his Madrid contract ends. He also gave an update on his fitness.

“It’s no distraction for me coming into the Euros,” Bale said, when asked about his future at Tottenham – or Real Madrid. “The original plan was only to do a season at Spurs, then after the Euros, I’ll still have a year left at Madrid and my plan is to go back.

“That’s as far as I’ve planned to be honest. Over the last few years, this is probably the most match fitness I’ve had. I’m feeling fresh and ready to go. We focus on these games for Wales, which are very important. We forget club life and concentrate on this.”

TBR’s view – A blow for Tottenham – or a big saving?

Bale is rumoured to be on wages that are north of £500,000 a week and Spurs are paying a hefty proportion of that. Bale has not been the Bale that many Spurs fans might have expected or hoped, but he has shown glimpses of true quality.

Is it a blow for Spurs? Bale is improving, but he is nowhere near the figures that Spurs are paying out. His wages are enormous and certainly, that financial power might give Mourinho and Tottenham more options in the summer. It is hardly a big loss.