Gareth Bale Confirms Cardiff City takeover bid

Gareth Bale has revealed he is involved in a bid to purchase a controlling stake in Cardiff City, his hometown club. The 35-year-old former Real Madrid and Wales star confirmed that a group he is part of has made a proposal directly to current owner Vincent Tan, although the offer was turned down. Despite the initial rejection, Bale remains optimistic that a deal could be reached in the future.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Bale said:

“We’ve been speaking about it, trying to engage with Cardiff but more news will come out on that in the future. Hopefully we can get something done.”

While Cardiff City have not issued a public response, reports indicate the proposal did not even make it to the boardroom for formal consideration. Tan, the club's long-time owner, is believed to have little immediate interest in selling.

Bale emphasized the emotional connection he has with the club:

“It’s my home club, where I grew up. My uncle used to play for them. To be involved with an ownership group would be a dream come true.”

Cardiff City were recently relegated to League One, and Bale expressed his desire to help rebuild and elevate the team:

“I would love to be able to be a part of growing Cardiff and taking it to the Premier League where it belongs.”

Earlier in June Bale was linked with a takeover bid of Plymouth Argyle but these reports now seem to be wide of the mark.

Bale retired from professional football in January 2023 after a stint with MLS side LAFC. His potential involvement in football club ownership would mark a new chapter in his post-playing career, aiming to contribute off the pitch to the future of Welsh football.