Real Madrid news: How Zinedine Zidane’s men could line-up IF Gareth Bale stays
The Welshman reported back for pre-season training along with marquee signing Eden Hazard on Monday
Gareth Bale had a dire end to the 2018/19 season with Real Madrid.
Following the reappointment of Zinedine Zidane in March, Bale struggled to nail down a regular starting place.
The Wales star was an unused substitute as Real suffered a final-day 2-0 home defeat to Real Betis.
And in his post-match press conference, Zidane refused to answer whether Bale would be a Real player next season.
He said: "I'm sorry he didn't get to play, but no one knows what will happen.
"If I think a player doesn't fit in the team I have to do what I think works best. No one can change what Bale has done for the team, but as a coach I have to live in the present.
"I make these decisions when it is right to do so, and I must act in the best interests of the team at all times.”
Bale has been linked with moves to Tottenham, Manchester United and Bayern Munich throughout the summer.
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But he has been hard to let go with three years remaining on his £350,000-a-week salary.
And despite his future still being up in the air, Bale reported back for pre-season at the Bernabeu on Monday, along with summer signing Eden Hazard.
The Belgium captain left Chelsea to join Real in an initial £88million deal last month and will be leading the LaLiga giants’ charge as they aim to win a first top-flight title since 2017.
Hazard has been part of a £250million-plus spending spree which has seen Luka Jovic, Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, and Rodrygo arrive so far.
And if no other clubs can afford Bale, the 29-year-old could force his way back into Zidane’s plans and form a lethal attack with Hazard and Jovic.
Paul Pogba has been heavily linked with a move to the Spanish capital after admitting ‘it could be time for a new challenge’.
Real stalwarts Toni Kroos and Luka Modric could partner the France star in a three-man midfield.
Similarly to Bale, Marcelo found first-team minutes hard to come by under Zidane and is likely to be replaced by £47million signing Mendy in the starting XI.
Militao could have to bide his time before establishing himself as a regular starter with Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane boasting far more experience.
Dani Carvajal is expected to continue at right-back, while Thibaut Courtois will be hoping to improve after a tough debut season in Madrid.
How Real Madrid could line-up next season with Bale
