Gareth Bale is reportedly preparing to front a takeover bid for League One club "Plymouth Argyle" backed by American investors. The Welsh football icon, who hung up his boots in January 2023, could be making a surprising return to English football - though this time in the boardroom rather than on the pitch.
According to reports, the former "Real Madrid" star is in talks with a US-based private equity group that includes members of the wealthy Storch family. The discussions are ongoing but could see Bale become the latest high-profile figure to invest in the English Football League.
"We have been in talks with a prospective new investor in our club for over a year," Plymouth chairman Simon Hallett stated recently, though he expressed frustration that "the key information that both we and the EFL required to complete the deal has not been forthcoming."
The news comes after "Plymouth" were relegated from the Championship last season, finishing 23rd in the table. Interestingly, they ended up one place ahead of Bale's boyhood club "Cardiff City" - a twist that adds another layer to this developing story.
Bale, who concluded his playing career with "Los Angeles FC" in the United States, still maintains strong connections across the Atlantic. This American influence is becoming increasingly common in English football. Just look at NFL legend Tom Brady's investment in "Birmingham City," or golf stars Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas buying shares in "Leeds United" before their Premier League return.
Did you know? Bale's former "Real Madrid" teammate Luka Modric recently purchased a minority stake in "Swansea City." Reports suggest the Croatian even sought Bale's advice before finalizing that deal.
The potential takeover would mark a new chapter for "Plymouth," who recently appointed Tom Cleverley as head coach on a three-year contract following Miron Muslic's departure to German side "Schalke."
For Bale, who has no previous connection to Plymouth, this would represent a significant first step into football ownership. Will the five-time Champions League winner bring the same magic to the boardroom that he once displayed on the pitch? The "Green Army" fans will certainly hope so.
