Bale is seemingly keen on getting back into football and is leading a consortium interested in buying Cardiff City
A Gareth Bale-led consortium has made an offer for Cardiff City(Image: Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)
Gareth Bale is leading a consortium that has made an offer to buy Cardiff City.
The group fronted by the former Wales captain are understood to have sent a letter of intent to current Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan last month, outlining their eagerness to buy the club. It’s believed financial figures were included, but the initial proposal has been rejected.
The bid, first reported by The Athletic on Friday evening, comes days after a Bale-led US consortium were linked with interest in acquiring Plymouth Argyle. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community
It’s understood Cardiff bosses are not currently expecting a renewed offer for the club, although things could change.
Current owner Vincent Tan has pledged his commitment to the Bluebirds going forward but has always said he would consider offers at the right price.
Cardiff-born Bale ended his playing career in January 2023, shortly after captaining Wales at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He never played for his hometown club, despite them being touted as a possible destination when he left Real Madrid.
However, he would go on to sign for MLS side LAFC, where he made 14 appearances.
Should he complete a deal, Bale would become the latest big name to enter the world of football ownership.
Close pal and former Real Madrid team-mate Luka Modric has already taken a minority stake in Cardiff’s bitter rivals Swansea City recently.
Indeed, it’s understood the Croatian actually sought the advice of Bale before making the move.
Other notable celebrities to get involved with EFL clubs include NFL legend Tom Brady, who became Birmingham City’s minority owner in August 2023.
American golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas both snapped up shares in Leeds United shortly before their promotion to the Premier League in May, while Championship new boys Wrexham have obviously been under the majority ownership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney for the last four years.
Cardiff are looking to build their way back to the Championship this season, and recently confirmed Brian Barry-Murphy as their new boss, after burning through three managers last season.
Omer Riza was handed the job in the wake of Erol Bulut’s sacking following a brief interim period, only to be sacked with three games to go.
Bale’s former Wales team-mate Aaron Ramsey then took charge, but was unable to stop the club sliding into the third tier.
Ramsey was touted as the man to possibly lead the club into the new season, but has since left, making way for former Manchester City coach Barry-Muprhy, who was officially unveiled to the media earlier this week.