Real Madrid yet to fulfil a clause in Gareth Bale's deal since 2013 - Reports
Tottenham Hotspur have reminded Real Madrid regarding a 'friendly clause' in Gareth Bale's deal from back in 2013, according to Spanish publication MARCA (via Managing Madrid).
Real Madrid signed Gareth Bale from Tottenham in the summer of 2013 for a then-world-record fee of £86 million. However, as part of the deal, Spurs included a friendly clause. That means Real Madrid were due to play a friendly match with Tottenham, a game that has not yet taken place.
Despite Bale rejoining Tottenham on loan last summer, the friendly clause is yet to be activated by Real Madrid, even after eight years since the deal between the two clubs took place.
However, there seems to be no time frame for the friendly to take place. Due to the ongoing global pandemic, Real Madrid are set to have a quiet pre-season with no trips to USA or Asia.
According to the Sports Bible, Tottenham have requested Real Madrid for this friendly to take place this year, as such friendlies are a huge source of income for the involved clubs.
Also Read: Fabrizio Romano's Transfer Roundup: Updates on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's futures, Arsenal active in the transfer market, and more.
Gareth Bale looks set to feature for Real Madrid this season
Gareth Bale had a torrid time in Madrid under Zinedine Zidane. However, new manager Carlo Ancelotti looks set to give Bale some game time this season.
Bale has just one year remaining on his Real Madrid contract. It is highly unlikely that Los Blancos will offer a new deal to the 31-year-old winger. However, during his Real Madrid unveiling, Carlo Ancelotti praised Gareth Bale, which might be an indication of things to come this summer. Ancelotti said:
“He has not played much in England, but he scored a lot of goals; he was very effective, especially in the final games when he played more regularly. I know Gareth well, and if he has the motivation to try to play his best game, he can have a great season."
Gareth Bale was signed by Carlo Ancelotti in 2013. The Welshman played a key role in Real Madrid winning the La Decima a year later.
Also Read: David James' column - Euro 2020: 5 players who deserve more playing time.