A consortium led by Gareth Bale has submitted an offer to purchase Cardiff City, the former Real Madrid and Wales star's hometown club. Bale believes he is the ideal candidate to revive Cardiff following their relegation to League One, the first time the club has been in the third tier since 2002-03.
The group is awaiting a response from owner Vincent Tan but is optimistic the bid will be accepted. The Malaysian billionaire has invested over £200m since buying Cardiff in 2010, though it remains unclear whether he is open to selling or his valuation of the club. The consortium reportedly includes US investors, though its full composition is unknown.
Bale, who retired in 2023 after a glittering career including five Champions League titles, previously described a potential takeover as “a dream come true”. He said: “We are interested in getting Cardiff. It’s my home club, it’s where I grew up and my uncle used to play for them… I would love to be a part of growing Cardiff and taking it to the Premier League where it belongs.”
An initial proposal by Bale’s consortium was reportedly dismissed by Tan last month. However, the new offer is thought to be serious and fair. Cardiff have declined to comment on the latest development.
Following relegation, Tan appointed Brian Barry-Murphy as head coach and stated: “Not all decisions have worked as I had hoped… I am committed to getting us back.” Bale finished his playing career with Los Angeles FC in the US and was previously linked with a move to Cardiff before the 2022 World Cup.
