Latest news with #GarethBale
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Gareth Bale and Cardiff City: The truth behind the conflicting stories and rumours
Gareth Bale has once again sent Cardiff City supporters' minds racing after a series of appearances on American television on Thursday evening. The former Real Madrid star and ex-Wales captain has said a consortium, of which he is front and centre, has tabled "another bid" to buy Cardiff City, believing the offer to be "more than fair". It comes after he revealed his desire to be part of a takeover bid in order to get his hometown club —which currently finds itself readying for a League One campaign— back to the Premier League. The emergence of Bale as a potential figurehead in a Cardiff City ownership consortium has not only set tongues wagging, but has served as a vehicle for rumour and speculation over the last few weeks. READ MORE: Brian Barry-Murphy left stunned by Cardiff City star's magic as player impresses new boss on return READ MORE: Tonight's Swansea City news McBurnie transfer update emerges and player poised for exit Here, we take a deeper dive into the situation as it stands. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community Bale's second offer claim Let's recap. On Thursday night, Bale made the following claim on FOS Today: "It's exciting news. We have a brand-new offer on the table, which has recently gone in. 'We think it's a great offer. One we think is very fair, if not more than fair, and it's something we hope the current owners will take seriously. "We'd love them to accept so we can take full control so we can get on with what we want to do and create Cardiff into a club we know it can be." He also said to ESPN: "We are interested in trying to take over Cardiff. We have actually put in a great new offer that we hope we can get feedback (from). "We think it's a very good offer for where the club is at. It's kind of out of our hands now and we are looking forward to seeing what develops with that. Things are exciting and I'm looking forward to what the future holds." Bale's consortium have clearly registered interest in taking over the club, but it is disputed that serious, official bids have been lodged. Although it is possible that definitions on the term 'bid' differ. By the literal sense in football club takeover terms, a bid would include a heads of terms, proof of funds and full disclosure of who is behind the money, none of which have been submitted to Cardiff City, sources say. Cardiff have received a letter of intent, which includes financial figures, and have had dialogue with those associated with interest in a takeover, but to suggest that means they are at any sort of advanced stage —with any bidder— is wide of the mark. A takeover being at an advanced stage would see Cardiff having to open the books for the interested party in order for them to do their due diligence per an exclusivity agreement. Again, that is not the case at time of writing. Reports have suggested the figure mentioned is anywhere between £20m and £40m. While official numbers are not known, it is understood the proposed offer, for want of a better phrase, is well below that upper number. The group have been told that what they were suggesting is way below what the club would deem a credible offer, if one were to be submitted officially. Supporters are curious as to why Cardiff have not issued an official statement addressing the former Wales star's claims, however they insist their stance has always been to not respond to speculation — and just because Bale is attached to this, they won't make an exception. Would Vincent Tan sell? A key question, really. Vincent Tan has been a divisive figure among City supporters for some time. Some walked away when he changed the kit colour and the badge and never returned. Others recognise the £250m he has put into the club and the two promotions he has also overseen. Relegations do, however, outweigh the promotions at time of writing, of course. Tan's stance has been pretty consistent for some time now, that everything is for sale except for family. However, to suggest he would sell to just anyone is wrong. He continues to insist that he cares deeply about the club and he would not burn through so much money if he did not. Any consortium who takes over Cardiff City has to have vast, vast sums of money and must be willing to burn through £15m to £20m every year — because that is the cost of running such an organisation. That being said, Bale's group is not the only interested party. There are other, well-funded people who have shown an interest in taking over Cardiff and if there are viable investors, who have the cash to back it up, Tan will listen. If an interested party doesn't meet the criteria then Tan is willing to continue putting his money where his mouth is in order to get Cardiff back to the Championship, per his pledge to supporters back in April. Opinions differ on just how willing Tan would be to sell the club. He desperately wants success, he wants Premier League football again. But his pockets have taken a massive, eyewatering hit, he is two promotions away from the top flight and he is 73 years of age now. But it has been reiterated that if Tan was to ever sell, it would be to a credible, well-funded person or group and he is insistent that he cares deeply about who would take on he mantle and does not want to leave the club in bad hands. Does this impact transfers? A prevailing narrative swirling around the lack of transfer activity is that Cardiff are in the middle of being sold and Tan will not invest as a result. That, we are told, is very much not the case. Indeed, the club are hoping to pick up their transfer activity when the first-team squad returns from their pre-season tour of Spain this weekend. It is understood that City are close on one target and understand they have some work to do in order to make Brian Barry-Murphy's squad ready for a promotion or title tilt next season. A centre back, right back, left back and a winger are all thought to be on the shopping list after a summer of exits thus far. Cardiff are the only League One side yet to make any additions to their first-team squad. Other rumours such as all departments being called into a meeting next week to be informed of a pending takeover are also false. Sources state that it continues as "business as usual" until what they deem a credible offer has been formally submitted to them. It is impossible to rule out whether that will materialise, of course, with Bale's group or others, and it is likely to be something that runs for some time yet this summer. Cardiff declined to make a comment. WalesOnline have also contacted sources close to the consortium for comment. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Three parties interested in Cardiff City takeover as 'South African-led consortium' emerges
For the third consecutive week, speculation surrounding a potential takeover at Cardiff City shows no sign of abating. With limited transfer activity and the far-reaching implications a takeover could bring, the situation is fast becoming the dominant storyline of the summer for Bluebirds supporters. While Gareth Bale's high-profile interest in the club captured headlines in recent weeks, attention has since shifted over the last 48 hours following growing social media speculation about a 'South African-led consortium'. Despite Bale's very public campaign—featuring in press junkets and US TV interviews—WalesOnline understands his American-backed group is not the only party interested in purchasing the club. READ MORE: Wrexham signing star who enraged Steven Gerrard after jumping in car to seal transfer READ MORE: Wrexham to break transfer record for star who made horror tackle on England ace Sources indicate there are currently up to three separate groups exploring the possibility of acquiring Cardiff City. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community One of those is believed to be the so-called 'South African consortium' that has sparked particular intrigue among fans over the past couple of days. Some eagle-eyed supporters even noticed that Gary Otto, a South African-born investor now based in California, recently followed Cardiff City and head coach Brian Barry-Murphy on social media. Otto, who made his fortune in real estate and is a joint-owner of non-League side Sutton United, has a track record of pursuing stakes in football clubs. In recent years, he has reportedly made unsuccessful ownership approaches to Leeds United, Coventry City, MK Dons, and overseas clubs including Le Havre, Nancy, and Lugano FC. He is believed to be part of a larger investment group showing interest in the Bluebirds. However, WalesOnline understands the overall picture has not changed significantly in recent days, with discussions continuing privately in the background. All interested parties are said to have submitted 'letters of intent', but no formal offers to acquire a significant stake in the club have been made at this stage. The identities behind the third group remain unknown. Meanwhile, WalesOnline has spoken to Cardiff's board to address some of the recent rumours circulating online. They have strongly denied claims that a representative from the South African consortium flew to Monaco to meet chairman Mehmet Dalman to negotiate a deal. They have also refuted suggestions that any prospective buyers have toured Cardiff City Stadium and also say there are no meetings lined up in the UK this week, per some claims. Importantly, the board has dismissed any notion that ongoing takeover talks are delaying transfer activity. Sources insist that maintaining the core of the current squad has been the priority, with manager Barry-Murphy and head of recruitment Paddy Deboys now focused on identifying key targets. It is likely only three or four new arrivals are expected before the end of the window, contingent on any potential outgoings of course. However the League One season is less than two weeks away and is approaching rapidly. Nevertheless, it is clear that serious interest in acquiring Cardiff City exists. While no formal bids have yet been submitted —which, as previously mentioned, constitutes a heads of terms, proof of funds and full disclosure of who is behind the money— progress could accelerate if a suitable valuation is reached and, saliently, Vincent Tan agrees that a sale is in the club's best interests. For what it's worth, should that happen, it would mark only the beginning of a lengthy and rigorous process. Any formal bid would trigger an approval process under EFL regulations, including the owners' and directors' test, the submission of a future financial information plan outlining operational strategy, and full demonstration of the source and sufficiency of funds for both the purchase and long-term running of the club. A realistic estimate would suggest that could take as long as six months. What Tan deems a good, or fair, offer and how big his appetite is to get the club back into the Championship and potentially beyond remains unknown. In a statement to supporters back in April, he said he would be in the Welsh capital "at the next opportunity that my scheduling allows", while also stating that he was "committed" to achieving promotion this upcoming season. Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gareth Bale turns 36: his top 10 rocket goals 🚀
Is this the most beautiful goal catalog in the world? This Wednesday, July 16, Gareth Bale is celebrating his 36th birthday. Retired for two years, the Welsh legend has marked the history of football in the 21st century by forming the legendary BBC at Real Madrid, but also thanks to his extraterrestrial goals. Advertisement To celebrate the birthday of the former Spurs player, we have selected 10 of the most beautiful goals of his career. To be savored without moderation. The legendary volley against Stoke West Ham's nets still remember The legendary hat-trick at San Siro He was also unbeatable on free kicks We said unbeatable Euro 2016 was his competition He also mastered finesse The left-footed shots were too much Marc Bartra still has nightmares about it The most legendary one to finish Which one do you prefer? Tell us in the comments. Also read: - These L1 stars have signed... in a ghost town - The XI of revelations of the Club World Cup Advertisement - Already 4 qualified for the 2029 Club World Cup! This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here. 📸 Denis Doyle - 2014 Getty Images
BBC News
15-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Fan group questions Cardiff's handling of Bale takeover bid
Cardiff City Supporters' Trust (CCST) has questioned the Bluebirds' handling of attempts to purchase the club by a consortium that includes Gareth legend Bale is fronting a bid to take over his hometown club, with the 111-cap former international recently stating the group have submitted "a brand new offer" for Cardiff owner Vincent Tan to League One side have not publicly commented on the situation, although the CCST has sought clarification on the matter from the in a statement, the fans' body expressed disappointment over Cardiff's failure to issue a public statement that it says would give supporters the "clarity they deserve".A statement read: "You will recall that, when reports first emerged of a bid to acquire Cardiff City, we contacted the club to seek clarification. "We received a response that no formal bid had been made but a notice of intention to make such an offer had been received."Since then, speculation regarding a bid has significantly ramped up not just on social media but also in the national press. "Reports that a quantified bid has been made, together with interviews with Gareth Bale who is reported to be involved with a consortium, is causing consternation amongst the fanbase who, in our view, should be kept in the picture."We have since contacted directly the three Europe-based directors of the club seeking further clarification of the situation and asking for an official public statement to be made."We received a reply that the club are not prepared to make a public statement in response to what they say are 'rumours'."To say that this is a very unsatisfactory situation is an understatement. The club need to confirm the position so that supporters get the clarity they deserve. We will continue to press the club to make a formal statement."Speaking in June, Bale said it would be "a dream come true" to purchase the Bluebirds, outlining his desire to take the club back to the Premier the group's latest bid, the former Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid and Los Angeles forward told Front Office Sports Today: "We think it's a great offer, one that we're very happy with."We think it's very fair, if not more than fair, and it's something we hope the current owners will take seriously."We'd love them to accept so we can take full control and get on with what we want to do and create Cardiff into a club that we know it can be."
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
🎥 Ghana, anything but football: Belgian champion is the anti-Bale
Golf is a popular change of pace for many footballers. If you ask Gareth Bale, it probably goes far beyond that. However, for Ousseynou Niang from the Belgian champion Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, it might be better for everyone involved if a ban were issued. His game in the tee box is not entirely safe and not at all royal. For his colleagues, but also for his own well-being. Maybe chess or fishing would be a better choice. Advertisement This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here. 📸 SIMON WOHLFAHRT - AFP or licensors
