Swap deal with Real Madrid for Gareth Bale on cards for Tottenham

Tottenham could be inching closer to a deal with Real Madrid that would see Christian Eriksen and a suitcase of cash head to Spain in return for Gareth Bale. 

This rumour isn’t dead yet, with El Desmarque reigniting chatter about Bale’s prospective return to north London. Both Eriksen and Bale have fallen out of favour with their parent clubs, allowing for the prospect of the swap deal.

Bale’s tenure at Madrid is no longer tenable and is looking for an out as quickly as possible. He is fond of Jose Mourinho, and even more amenable to return to the club where it all started.

Tottenham could make the financials work, too, although it would certainly stretch their budget. Then again, Toby Alderweireld recently signed a contract extension to 2023, in which he’ll reportedly make about £150 000 per week. It’s the dawn of a new era for Tottenham, who will have to start competing with other financial juggernauts if they want to remain amongst the Premier League’s best.

The main roadblock to getting this deal over the line is Bale’s weekly salary, which sees him earn about £250,000. Eriksen is only on £80,000 per week, leaving a massive gulf.

Bale has recovered fully from recurring injuries that plagued him over recent years but is still going to cost Spurs a pretty penny if they intend on bringing the club legend back for his twilight years.

Transfermarkt.com, even after Eriksen’s extended poor run of form, has his market worth set at £75 million, an outrageously swollen amount. If I were a betting man, I can’t see Eriksen going for more than £40 or £50 million.

Even that seems a stretch after watching his continued listless performances over the past six months. Then again, I wouldn’t be surprised if the old, vintage Eriksen reawakens with a new team in a new environment.