How ex-Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has reacted to David Storch's Sheffield Wednesday message | OneFootball

Wales football icon Gareth Bale has sent a message to Sheffield Wednesday prospective owner David Storch

David Storch's efforts to buy Sheffield Wednesday have caught the eye of former Real Madrid and Wales star Gareth Bale.

Bale began his illustrious career with Southampton before joining Tottenham Hotspur in 2007, and later moving to the Spanish capital giants in 2013.

The winger wasn't always the most popular figure during his Madrid tenure, but he provided legendary moments such as his solo goal to win the 2014 Copa del Rey final against fierce rivals Barcelona.

Bale retired in January 2023 at the age of 33, just weeks after representing Wales in the 2022 World Cup, but remains well-connected in the game.

Gareth Bale responds as David Storch issues statement to Sheffield Wednesday supporters

Storch has been named as Sheffield Wednesday's preferred bidder, and is consequently undergoing the EFL's Owners' and Directors' Test.

Owls supporters are desperate to see their club sold to the right person, after former owner Dejphon Chansiri drove them into administration following years of severe financial mismanagement.

Meanwhile, Storch has worked hard to get the Hillsborough faithful on side and posted on X last Saturday: "Back in the States now, reflecting on an unbelievable week in Sheffield.

"On behalf of Michael (Storch), Tom (Costin) and myself, I want to thank the wonderful city of Sheffield, the local members of the community we met, the Supporters’ Trust and the Sheffield Wednesday fans for making us feel so incredibly welcome.

"We are listening to and collaborating with talented Wednesdayites across the city to ensure we deliver a best-in-class fan experience. Whilst we continue to work diligently to become stewards of this unique and historic club, please know that we will be doing everything we can in the interest of a “Better Wednesday” and a brighter future for everyone associated with Sheffield Wednesday."

That message caught the eye of Bale, who commented on Wednesday: "Best of luck, Storchy!"

The former Tottenham winger, who operated as a full-back earlier in his career, knows Storch well, as the pair previously submitted an offer to buy Cardiff City together, as reported by BBC Sport.

However, Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan decided against selling his club.

Cardiff and Wednesday are set to swap divisions, as the Owls have already been relegated to League One, largely thanks to point deductions, whereas the Welsh capital outfit are likely to win promotion to the Championship alongside Lincoln City.

Somewhat surprisingly, the Imps hold the advantage over the Bluebirds in the third-tier title race, having enjoyed a 2-0 victory in South Wales on 7 March.

Gareth Bale's comment will enthuse Sheffield Wednesday supporters ahead of pending David Storch takeover

Wednesday supporters will view any developments regarding Storch with cautious optimism, especially after former preferred bidder James Bord's takeover deal collapsed.

Bord's consortium ultimately decided that the amount they bid outweighed the value of the South Yorkshire club, while Storch's offer has fallen below the amount required to pay creditors 25p in the pound and avoid a 15-point deduction next term.

However, Bale's comment indicates that the Owls' current preferred bidder has maintained a good relationship with the former Madrid ace, even though their deal to buy Cardiff together was unsuccessful.

The fact that Bale has come out and supported Storch is a strong endorsement, especially while the American still has to negotiate the EFL's Owners' and Directors' Test and potentially the Independent Football Regulator's checks and balances.