Gareth Bale agrees MLS move as Real Madrid star picks Los Angeles over Cardiff City

Seb Sternik
25 June 2022

Wales international Gareth Bale has agreed to join Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC on a one-year deal once his Real Madrid contract officially expires.

The five-time Champions League winner is soon to be a free agent, and a number of clubs have shown interest in his signature.

With the World Cup in Qatar just around the corner, Bale is desperate to continue playing high-level football in order to retain his place in Rob Page's international squad come November.

A move to Cardiff City looked on the cards, with the player travelling to the club's Vale of Glamorgan training base on their first day of pre-season.

However, it now appears Bale's future lies in the United States, as his eight-season spell in La Liga comes to a close

While LAFC are yet to confirm the news, the club did post a cryptic message on their social media channels, appearing to tease an imminent announcement.

Any guesses?

pic.twitter.com/hIx1vE967L
— LAFC (@LAFC) June 25, 2022

The current Welsh captain reportedly earned around £600,000 per week with Los Blancos, and a number of clubs had expressed interest in his services - including former side Tottenham and big-spending Newcastle United.

Speaking while on recent international duty with Wales, Bale said: "I don't really know if the standard makes too much of a difference. A football game is a football game.

"I feel like I'll never really lose my quality on the ball. I guess it's a conversation to be had.

"I need time to think what's the best move for me, my family, my kids, and hopefully we'll sort that over the summer. I have options."

Gareth Bale joins Los Angeles FC on a free transfer, here we go! Follows @tombogert scoop - it’s confirmed, Bale leaves European football to try new MLS experience. Agreement in place. 🚨🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇺🇸 #LAFC

Contract will be valid until June 2023 - as Bale follows Chiellini at LAFC. pic.twitter.com/C47AJGpCtm
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 25, 2022

A move to LAFC would see Bale join up with former Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini, who made his move to the United States at the end of the recent Serie A campaign.

The American outfit are currently managed by former USA international Steve Cherundolo. Los Angeles find themselves top of the Western Conference, having won nine of their first 15 games this season.