Former Tottenham star Gareth Bale linked with surprise role in Plymouth Argyle takeover bid | OneFootball

Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Gareth Bale could be on the verge of an unexpected return to football.

According to the Telegraph, the Welshman will be the face of a United States-based private equity group’s attempt to take full control of Plymouth Argyle.

The 35-year-old has no previous connection to the club or the city, but his name carries considerable weight in English football, and the US-based equity group wants to take full advantage.

Bale came up through Southampton’s academy in 2006 before joining Tottenham a year later. He spent six years in London and was part of the squad that won the League Cup in 2008.

He made 237 appearances for Tottenham, notching 71 goals and 53 assists before finalising a big-money move to Real Madrid in 2013.

The equity group believe using Bale as the face of their takeover attempt will improve their chances.

The move follows a growing trend of American investors teaming up with some of the biggest names in sports to boost the appeal of English Football League clubs.

Bale’s former teammate Luka Modric recently joined Swansea City as an investor and co-owner through a similar arrangement, while NFL legend Tom Brady joined Birmingham City’s ownership group.

Golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas also invested in Leeds United. Talks between the American investment group, which includes members of the Storch family, and Argyle are ongoing.

While Bale is fronting the bid, his exact role in the consortium is yet to be determined. If the move is successful, the Welsh star will take up a co-ownership role.

Argyle chairman Simon Hallett has been looking for new investors for over a year. He first bought a stake in the club in 2016 before becoming the majority shareholder two years later.

The club’s ownership saga looked to be resolved earlier this year when Hallett agreed a deal with a potential investor, but it collapsed after a series of delays.

Argyle are coming off a disappointing Championship season, where they were relegated, but Bale’s potential involvement could set the tone for a quick return to the second tier.