Gareth Bale: Former Tottenham and Real Madrid winger set to front Plymouth Argyle takeover
Gareth Bale is set to be the face of a potential takeover of League One side Plymouth Argyle.
The former Wales international, who spent much of his career with Real Madrid and Tottenham, retired from football in 2023 as a five-time Champions League winner.
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Having dabbled in punditry since hanging up his boots, he could now be set for a full-time return to the game.
The Telegraph reports that he has joined up with a US-based private equity group which is in talks to purchase a controlling stake in the Pilgrims.
Plymouth, who were relegated from the Championship at the end of last season, are reportedly searching for new investment as they look to revitalise the club.
Current chairman Simon Hallett, who became a majority shareholder in 2018, is leading that search, and saw a deal to sell a large stake fall through last month.
Speaking at the time, he said: '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."
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The new investment group would become the latest in a long line of Americans taking over British clubs should their deal go through. Premier League sides Chelsea, Bournemouth, Liverpool, and Crystal Palace are all under whole or partial American control, while actors Rob McElhenny and Ryan Reynolds famously took over Wrexham in 2021.
Bale briefly played in the MLS, ending his career with 12 appearances for LAFC, though The Telegraph's report says it is not clear how he became involved in the bid.
The news follows the April announcement that Real Madrid and Croatia legend Luka Modric would become a minority owner of Swansea City. The 39-year-old will make his final appearances for Los Blancos at the Club World Cup this summer, with AC Milan keen to sign him on a free transfer following the tournament.
Bale retired with 111 international caps and is the most successful Welsh footballer of all time.
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