Gareth Bale is reportedly preparing to enter football ownership by fronting a US-based private equity group's takeover bid for League One side "Plymouth Argyle". The former Wales international, who retired from playing in January 2023, appears ready to join the growing list of high-profile figures investing in English Football League clubs.
"We have been in talks with a prospective new investor in our club for over a year," – said Plymouth chairman Simon Hallett, who has been seeking fresh investment since becoming the majority stakeholder in 2018.
According to reports, the investment group includes members of the wealthy American-based Storch family. Negotiations are ongoing, though a previous investment attempt at the club fell through earlier this year.
Bale has maintained strong connections with America since finishing his playing career at "Los Angeles FC" and still spends considerable time across the Atlantic. Interestingly, his former "Real Madrid" teammate Luka Modric recently purchased a minority stake in "Swansea City" – and reportedly sought Bale's advice before completing that deal.
The Welshman would join an impressive roster of celebrities investing in EFL clubs. NFL legend Tom Brady bought into "Birmingham City" before their promotion to the Championship last season, while golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas acquired shares in "Leeds United" prior to their Premier League return.
"Plymouth" suffered relegation from the Championship last season, finishing 23rd – one place ahead of Bale's boyhood club "Cardiff City". The Pilgrims have since appointed Tom Cleverley as head coach on a three-year deal following Miron Muslic's departure to Schalke.
By the way, Bale has no previous connection to Plymouth, making this potential move somewhat surprising. But could his star power and business connections help revitalize the recently relegated club? Football fans will certainly be watching this developing story with interest.
