Sridhar Bhamidi
Jose Mourinho has had a long tryst with Real Madrid this transfer window, already. He wanted to make Alvaro Morata a Red Devil only to be left frustrated by the financial discussions between the two clubs. Morata eventually came to English Premier League via Chelsea.
Our interest in Real Madrid players isn’t limited to Morata alone. There is Toni Kroos – who tops the wish list every transfer window. And then there is Gareth Bale – another must-have in every list. So, when United played Real in the weekend as part of their US pre-season friendlies, the spotlight was on Mourinho and Bale.
Never the one to disappoint the paparazzi, Mourinho was at his mischievous best when he hugged Bale to say:
‘I can’t buy you because you don’t talk to me’. He was quoted by the Mirror.
That is a tongue-in-cheek gesture and showcases how Mourinho uses every little scenario to be in touch with the players he likes. Our interest in Bale is an open secret and even the player knows that if he wants to leave Santiago Bernabeu, there is always a place for him at Old Trafford.
Can this transfer ever work?
Let’s put facts up front first – the 28-year-old Welshman is happy to stay at Real and would probably be the last to ask for a transfer. Time and again he has indicated that there is unfinished business for him at Real where he is yet to win the love of the fans.
Talking of that, Madrid supporters are notoriously fickle and have never appreciated Bale’s contributions – even though he has massively contributed towards one La Liga, two Spanish Cups and three Champions League triumphs.
At Old Trafford, even Bale knows that he will be adored at the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo. He would fill the boots of his childhood hero Ryan Giggs and will form a deadly combination with Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku.
This transfer, for now, looks moot and it will be a huge surprise if we can pull it off. Never say never though and if Bale ever wants to come back, United will be ready to pounce. If that happens, Mourinho would want to be the first to hear from the Welsh superstar!
