Gareth Bale remains a “huge talent” despite his Real Madrid struggles, says Rio Ferdinand, with the time right for Manchester United or a Premier League rival to make a move.
The Wales international has enjoyed a trophy-laden spell in the Spanish capital, collecting the La Liga title, Club World Cup and three Champions League crowns.
He has, however, endured fitness issues throughout his time at Santiago Bernabeu and often seen his value called into question – with Zinedine Zidane hauling him off at half-time during a thrilling European clash with Juventus on Wednesday.
Ferdinand believes the former Tottenham star would be a welcome addition to the English top-flight if approaches are made this summer, with his former employers at Old Trafford among those reported to be leading the chase for a long-standing target.
The ex-Red Devils defender told BT Sport on Bale and whether he would sign him: “For his talent, 100 per cent [I would want him].
“If you get him at a decent price, but talent-wise there’s not doubting this guy.
“But it’s just getting him out on the pitch every week is the problem. He hasn’t been able to do that.
“He’s a huge talent. He’s had a bad season by all accounts from what they’re saying, their fans are disgruntled and not happy about him. He’s got 16 goals.
“In the Premier League, I’d love to see him here.”
On top of his goal return, Bale has also provided four assists across La Liga and Champions League competition.
He has, however, started just 19 games in those competitions as injury or the form of others has left him frustrated on the sidelines.
At 28 years of age, he should be at his peak, so it could be that a Premier League suitor gets quite the bargain if they are able to put a deal in place for a man who headed to Spain in a record-breaking €100 million transfer back in 2013.
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