Former Real Madrid and Wales star Gareth Bale is reportedly part of a US-based consortium that is planning to take over League One club Plymouth Argyle. The talks are still in the early stages, but this move could bring significant changes to the club's future.

Early Stage Discussions

According to sources, discussions with the private equity firm are still at an initial phase. Plymouth owner Simon Hallett had previously mentioned that an earlier agreement to sell a stake in the club had fallen through. This new development could reignite hopes for the club's growth and stability.

Following in Modric's Footsteps

Bale would be following a path similar to his former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric, who was part of a group that acquired control of Swansea City in April. Modric's involvement has already brought global attention to the Welsh club, and Bale's involvement could have a similar impact on Plymouth.

Celebrity Involvement in Football

This isn't the first time a high-profile athlete has ventured into football club ownership. Legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady became part of the new Birmingham City ownership group, while Wrexham has seen a surge in revenue and publicity thanks to their Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Plymouth's Recent Struggles

Plymouth Argyle had a challenging season, being relegated to the third tier after a brief return to the Championship. The appointment of Wayne Rooney as manager didn't yield the desired results, and his replacement Miron Muslic resigned at the end of the season to join Schalke in Germany. The club has since appointed Tom Cleverley, former Manchester United midfielder and Watford boss, as their new manager.

Bale's Role

It remains unclear what role Gareth Bale will play at Plymouth Argyle should the takeover succeed. The five-time Champions League winner retired from professional football in 2023, and this move could mark his transition into a new phase of his career in football management or ownership.

Related Topics

• League One
• Plymouth Argyle
• Football

This potential takeover could bring a fresh wave of excitement and investment to Plymouth Argyle, potentially transforming the club's fortunes in the coming years.