Agent: Gareth Bale Likes Real Madrid Despite Criticism, Transfer Interest

Garet Bale isn’t ready to let go of his dream.

Bale’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, told Sky Sports on Thursday that his client does not want to leave Real Madrid this summer, despite intense criticism he receives in Spain and reported interest from leading Premier League clubs.

“Why would he look to go elsewhere?” Barnett asked. “Real Madrid are the No. 1 club in the world. There’s always interest in him — but as far as we are concerned he’ll be at Real Madrid next summer.”

Bale has struggled in 2015 to recapture the form that made him a standout performer in Real Madrid’s march to the UEFA Champions League title last season. Some Real Madrid fans and media outlets that cover the club have singled out Bale for criticism, leading to speculation he could leave the Spanish giant this summer and return to England’s Premier League.

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Chelsea and Manchester United are believed to be monitoring Bale’s situation at Real Madrid. He joined Real Madrid from Tottenham in September 2013 for €91 million ($123 million, £78 million) — although that fee often is reported as a world-record €100 million ($132 million, £84.5 million) — and it would take a mammoth amount to convince Real Madrid to part ways with the Welsh winger.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti will reject any transfer offers for Bale this summer, the Telegraph reported Thursday. But Ancelotti might not be around to decide Bale’s future because his own fate is believed to be tied to Real Madrid’s progress in the Champions League.

The decision ultimately will lie with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and his wants and needs in the summer transfer market. Real Madrid is expected to pursue the soccer world’s top transfer targets, as it does almost every year, and it might decide to sell Bale in order to raise funds.