I write this today, 23rd September 2020. A few days ago Tottenham confirmed the news that Gareth Bale was rejoining the club on an initial one year loan deal from Real Madrid; there is an option to extend that for a second season – which will run the length of Mr Bale’s contract with Madrid.
In May 2007 Bale joined Spurs from Southampton in a deal that ended up costing around £7m. He would start as a left back and initially had a horrible record by not being involved in a win for the club in any game he featured. Injuries happened to the young man and he was close to the exit door under manager Harry Redknapp (do not listen to old ‘Arry and his revision of history, he was going to sell him) before an injury to the then left back meant he needed to play and with games grew confidence and the rest as they say is history.
Bale flourished in the role as an attacking full back but it was soon clear his pace and power was much more suited further forward and it was a move to the wing where we saw the best of him; although under AVB he kinda player wherever he wanted. Memorable European nights including the ‘taxi for Maicon’ game were highlight of this young mans time at the club.
He was a hero to all at Spurs and it was no shock that when we missed out on a Champions League place Real Madrid came calling, just like they had done for Modric before and the Welshman left for Spain in what was a world record transfer fee.
Now that is the history, albeit in brief and we fast forward now to 2020. A quite incredible year for so many reasons but for Spurs fans focusing purely on sport its been the pits. A manager which everyone felt affection for in Mauricio Pochettino fired… a manager which most have mixed feelings about in Jose Mourinho hired…. football poor to watch and results poor to endure. Its not been fun. However in a transfer window the board and the manager always have a chance to turn things around. By making changes to the squad and also landing signings that can just give everyone a lift.
For many a window we have looked on at other clubs with pure envy as they have done just that but in this window we have finally done that and of course I am talking about Sergio Reguilon. The Spanish full back is one of the highest rated talents in Europe, many clubs were in for him but for once the “special relationship” with Real Madrid has worked in our favour. I cannot wait to see this young man settle and get to play his game for us, I just know fans are going to love him and I think he will enjoy his football in England.
….. now all what I said above about young Sergio is correct but I was when talking about the “BIG” signing referencing the return of Gareth Bale. I do not think I have experienced a social media buzz and general good feeling amongst Spurs fans like I did Friday and Saturday last. The passion at which he was greeted as he drove into our training ground you could see put a massive smile on his face.
He has said in many an interview since arriving back in England that its where he wanted to be. He wanted to feel loved again and wanted to be somewhere he felt was home for him. Welcome back to Spurs Gareth, we have missed you.
Now I often make it clear when talking about Daniel Levy I have no agenda with him. On some things I think he does an excellent job and on others I am less than impressed but in this deal I have to say well done to our chairman. Not only do we have Bale back for a possible two year stint but we are also paying circa 40% of his wages while he is with us with Madrid covering the rest.
Bale’s agent was recently interviewed by the BBC where he credited the Tottenham chairman saying this deal could not happened without him and how that as soon as he knew Gareth would like to come back he moved everything to make it happen.
So due to his fitness (Madrid not exactly a good working atmosphere for him come the end) we will have to wait for the second coming of this superstar made at the old White Hart Lane and for us fans seeing him live and in person might have to be even longer (F**k you COVID) however even just watching on TV the thought of seeing Bale line up with Harry Kane is something I never thought I would see and instantly brings a smile to my face.
