Real Madrid and Tottenham legend Gareth Bale is in talks to become the new co-owner of League One club Plymouth Argyle.
The former Wales captain has remained largely out of the football scene after hanging up his boots in 2023, aside from the occasional appearance as a pundit.
But Bale, 35, is now fronting a US-based private equity group who are plotting a full takeover of the Devon team who have been looking for new investment for some time.
According to The Telegraph, the group includes members of the American-based Storch family but Bale’s involvement in the bid has come as a complete surprise.
Plymouth were relegated from the Championship last season, unable to recover after a dreadful start under the management of Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney.
The Pilgrims did improve after Rooney was sacked on New Year’s Eve, notably knocking eventual Premier League champions Liverpool out of the FA Cup.
They’ll begin the 2025/26 season with another former United and England star in the dugout, after appointing Tom Cleverly as head coach on a three-year contract last week.
Bale is the latest big name sports star to become involved in owning an EFL club after his former Real teammate Luka Modric bought a minority share in Swansea City in April.
The move had fuelled hope from fans that the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner would be signing for the Welsh club upon leaving Madrid, but the 39-year-old is instead set to move to AC Milan this summer.
Additionally, NFL legend Tom Brady is a co-owner at Birmingham City, while golfers Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas bought shares in Leeds United prior to their promotion to the Premier League.
Gareth Bale club career stats
Clubs: Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid, Los Angeles FC
Appearances: 554
Goals: 185
Assists: 132
Major Trophies: League Cup, La Liga x3, Copa del Rey, Champions League x5, Club World Cup x3, MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield
One of the greatest forwards of his generation, Bale began his career at Southampton before joining Tottenham, where he established himself as arguably the Premier League’s best player.
In 2013, the winger moved to Real Madrid for a then-world record £85million and over the next nine years won five Champions Leagues, three La Liga titles and three Club World Cups.
He also become Wales’ top goalscorer and appearance maker with 41 goals in 111 caps, playing a key role in the Dragons’ remarkable run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
Injuries did affect his career at Los Blancos and after returning to Spurs for a season on loan, he finished his club career at Los Angeles FC and retired shortly after captaining his country at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
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