Gareth Bale Lined Up for Shock Move to Plymouth Argyle
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A report has emerged that former Wales captain Gareth Bale is set to front a US-based private equity group’s takeover of League One side Plymouth Argyle. According to the Daily Telegraph, talks are ongoing between Argyle and the investment group, which is believed to include members of the wealthy American-based Storch family.
The potential takeover would see Bale become the latest high-profile name to get involved in an American takeover of an EFL club. The Welshman has been out of football since confirming his retirement back in January 2023, shortly after leading his side into the World Cup in Qatar, where they were unfortunately eliminated in the group stages. He finished his club career in the US playing for Los Angeles FC and still spends a lot of time in America.
Bale’s close pal and former Real Madrid team-mate Luka Modric has already purchased a minority stake in Swansea City. Indeed, it’s understood the Croatian even sought Bale’s advice before pressing ahead with the deal. Other celebrity names below the Premier League include NFL legend Tom Brady, who purchased a stake in Birmingham City before they won promotion back to the Championship last season.
Meanwhile, American golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas snapped up shares in Leeds United before the club sealed their return to the Premier League. Bale has no previous connection to Plymouth, and the move would clearly come as a huge surprise, although a takeover of the Pilgrims has seemingly been on the cards for some time.
Chairman Simon Hallett has been looking for fresh investment in the club over the last 12 months, having become a majority stakeholder in 2018. He had previously agreed to sell a stake in the club to new investors earlier this year, but the move fell through. In a recent statement, Hallett said, “We have been in talks with a prospective new investor in our club for over a year – those talks led to an application for approval of that investment being lodged with the EFL in February.”
Unfortunately, negotiations have taken too long and the key information that both we and the EFL required to complete the deal has not been forthcoming. “I no longer believe that news of the new investor is imminent,” Hallett added. Argyle lost their place in the second tier last season, finishing 23rd, one place ahead of Bale’s boyhood club Cardiff City.
Hallett has since appointed Tom Cleverley as the club’s new head coach following Miron Muslic’s move to Schalke. Cleverley has signed a three-year deal with the club, having previously been sacked by Watford. The potential takeover by Bale and the US-based private equity group would be a significant development for the club, and fans will be eagerly awaiting any official announcement.
As reported by Wales Online, the news has sent shockwaves through the football community, with many pundits speculating about the potential implications of Bale’s involvement. With his impressive career and financial backing, Bale could be the catalyst for Plymouth Argyle’s success in the coming seasons.
The takeover would also be a significant boost to the EFL, with more high-profile investors showing interest in the league. As Wales Online previously reported, the involvement of celebrity names in football investments has been on the rise, and Bale’s potential takeover of Plymouth Argyle would be another example of this trend.
In conclusion, the potential takeover of Plymouth Argyle by Gareth Bale and a US-based private equity group would be a significant development in the world of football. With Bale’s impressive career and financial backing, the club could be set for a bright future. As the situation unfolds, fans and pundits alike will be eagerly awaiting any official announcement.
Source: Wales Online
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