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 – this time, off the pitch.

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

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

Bale came up through Southampton’s academy in 2006 before joining Tottenham a year later. He spent six years in North London and was part of the squad that won the EFL 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 the summer of 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 football clubs in the EFL.

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 at the club’s Home Park Stadium.

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 in 2018.

The club’s ownership saga looked done and dusted earlier this year when Hallett agreed a deal with a potential investor, but it ultimately collapsed after a series of delays and lack of necessary information.

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