Bale told to seal Toon deal with La Liga set to restart
GARETH Bale and his Real Madrid team-mates have been given the go-ahead to restart from June 8, following an address to the nation by Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
La Liga was suspended on March 12 because of coronavirus but the league stepped up its preparations for a resumption as group training of up to 10 players was allowed at the start of last week.
There are 11 fixtures still to play in La Liga, which will confirm a return date in the coming days although Javier Tebas, the league’s president, has stated June 12 is an option.
“The resumption of major professional sporting competitions and, in particular, La Liga will be allowed from the week of June 8,” Sanchez said in a quote according to the BBC.
The Segunda Division – Spain’s second tier – has also been cleared to resume on the same date.
Reacting to the news, Tebas said on Twitter: “We are very happy for the decision, it is the result of the great work of clubs, players, technicians... CSD (National Sports Council) and agents involved.
“But we cannot lower our guard, it is important to follow health regulations and ensure the pandemic doesn’t come back.”
Barcelona currently sit top of the standings, two points clear of Real Madrid after 27 games. A fortnight after the season was halted, it was indefinitely suspended because of the global health crisis.
Five unnamed players across the top two divisions tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this month although they were asymptomatic and in the final phase of the disease.
Meanwhile, Barcelona and Brazil legend Rivaldo has told Bale to join Newcastle United and regain his ‘superstar status’.
The Magpies are on the brink of a mega-money takeover from a Saudi Arabia-based group, and have recently been linked with moves for some of the biggest names in the game.
Bale is just one of the names to have been mentioned, having been linked with a return to the Premier League with Manchester United and former club Tottenham.
Having struggled to win over his doubters at Real, there is likely to be plenty more speculation over his future during the coming weeks.
Bale came close to sealing a move to China last summer, only for the plug to be pulled on the deal at the last minute. Rivaldo, a superstar of Brazil’s 2002 World Cupwinning side, believes a move to Tyneside could give him the platform to showcase his undoubted talents.
He told Betfair: “Newcastle should receive a big-money injection this summer with a new owner coming to town and this could be a great destination for Gareth Bale, as he could reassume his superstar status at the club and keep earning a big amount of money.
“It would be a great chance for him to prove he is still a top-class player and be considered again one of the best in the world, so if this offer really comes, I think he should accept it.
“At Newcastle, he would be the biggest star of the team and could lead a rejuvenated squad to a good Premier League campaign.” The 30-year-old has also been linked with a move to the MLS, although his agent Jonathan Barnett has since rubbished the possibility of a move Stateside. Rivaldo believes Bale should instead stay in Europe as he still has something to offer at the highest level.