Tottenham Hotspur 'rule out return for Gareth Bale'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter

Published: May 28 2018 | 15:08

Last updated: June 5 2025 | 00:20

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale will reportedly not be returning to Tottenham Hotspur this summer as his former club cannot afford to sign him.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly ruled out a return for Gareth Bale, as the Real Madrid forward seeks a move away from the Spanish capital.

The Wales international admitted after his matchwinning double against Liverpool at the weekend that he wants to be at a club where he plays more regularly.

Bale, whose brace in Saturday's final in Kiev earned him a fourth Champions League winners' medal in five years at Madrid, had been tipped to rejoin Spurs this summer.

BBC Sport claims that any such move is "unrealistic" due to the large transfer fee likely to be involved, though, with the 28-year-old under contract at the Bernabeu until 2022 and on £350,000 a week.

Southampton academy product Bale will allegedly meet with agent Jonathan Barnett in the coming days before deciding whether to push for an exit, with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus all potential destinations.