Outstaying their Real Madrid welcomes: Gareth Bale and James Rodríguez
By Parshva Shah
What next for the duo?
Both Gareth Bale and James Rodríguez know that they will not get a chance to prove their mettle as long as Zinedine Zidane is at the helm. Bale has probably stopped caring at this point and that hasn’t gone over well with both the coach and the fans, who are desperate for Bale to leave, given he has reached a point of no return.
James Rodríguez could still stay put, but only if he is assured a significant role within the squad. With Martin Ødegaard recalled for next season, it’s next to impossible that James can revive his Real Madrid career.
His heart still beats for Real Madrid and that is reciprocated equally by the Madrid faithful. But the fans, the coach, and the player himself are privy to the fact that his future lies elsewhere. James did receive offers from clubs from Italy and Spain, but Real Madrid didn’t let him go, perhaps due to the lack of depth in midfield.
Zidane returned to Real Madrid with a clear vision for the future. He asked for control over the transfers and he knows which players would be the best for him for the next few seasons, not to forget the mission to land the evasive Kylian Mbappé and Eduardo Camavinga.
Building a team that can never suffer like in 2018/19 is at the top of Zidane’s bucket list. The funds needed to materialize and the future transfers are being blocked as Bale refuses to be transferred to another club. James’ value in the market has plunged to somewhere around €10-15 million.
Ultimately, Zidane wants to build a new identity for the team. He wants to inject the squad with fresh blood, and these two players are luxuries he wants to entertain the least. It’s merely a case of them not fitting into his plans. If not them, it could have been someone else.
Next. Final thoughts on the 2019/2020 Season. dark
But, unfortunately, it was these two players who faced the sword, players who could have carved out an ineradicable legacy for themselves at the club had things turned out even a tad better.
I am sad to see their journeys with the club in a rather irksome manner. Bale will never be forgotten for his ability to deliver in the big games. James was (and possibly still is) a darling for the fans. But there seems to be no way out now.
The sooner they leave, the better it is for both the club and themselves. One can only imagine what could have been with these massively talented players – one a classic case of what-if, and the other ridiculed by misfortune.