When Gareth Bale moved to Tottenham on loan during the last transfer window there was some frustration in Spain that Real Madrid would continue to pay half of his salary.
When it was then revealed that James Rodriguez had moved to Everton for free, rather than the €20m+ which had previously been reported, it all looked like Madrid had been taken advantage of by Premier League clubs.
AS, however, see things differently and explain that it was a case of bringing the wage bill down. That’s something Zinedine Zidane’s side must do if they have any chance of bringing big-name targets to the club in the coming windows.
The Spanish newspaper explain the Bale deal is considered something of an investment by Madrid, and what they’d most like is for Tottenham to come forward next summer and agree a permanent transfer for the Welshman.
Not only would that see his wages completely disappear from the club’s accounts, it would also bring in a transfer fee.
A fresh loan is a possibility, and that would then see Bale through until the end of his contract with the Spanish club.
Perhaps the best Madrid can hope for is that Tottenham then pick up more of Bale’s wages, but the likelihood is Levy would be looking for a similar deal to what Spurs have for this season, all the while knowing they would then get the player for free in 2022.
