Liverpool may have little to fear when it comes to their hopes of snapping up one transfer target.

Galatasaray’s Barış Alper Yilmaz, linked to the Merseysiders by Ajanspor (via Empire of the Kop), has reportedly taken the fancy of the Premier League giants and domestic rivals Arsenal.

Christian Falk reports that interest originating from the Bundesliga in the No.53 isn’t quite concrete.

“Dortmund has Barış Alper Yılmaz on their shortlist – that’s true. It’s not concrete at the moment,” the head of football at the BILD Group wrote in his exclusive Fact Files column.

“The rumours about Frankfurt and Leipzig aren’t as concrete as is the case at Dortmund.

“If Dortmund needs a new striker, in case they sold Füllkrug, it would be an option, but I think Liverpool don’t have to be afraid of the German teams!”

The aforementioned report, originating from Turkey, had claimed Arne Slot’s men had allegedly submitted a £25.2m bid – a fee that matches the club’s reported valuation of the player (Haber3).

MORE: What Bayern insider heard about Jamal Musiala is really great transfer news for Man City

Should Liverpool pursue Yilmaz this summer?

A fee in the region of £25m would be pretty ideal for any top target. Add into the mix the fact that player is 24 years of age and it starts ticking other boxes Liverpool’s recruitment team like to keep. Even more appealing are the comparisons to Gareth Bale from Kayserispor coach Ilker Puren (as reported on GS Gazette, via the Express).

The key question worth posing, of course, is whether Yilmaz should be considered ideal competition for Mo Salah on the right flank.

A key stumbling block will, no doubt, be the player’s right-footedness (with the Reds’ Egyptian King being left-footed).

In that regard, alternative reported targets, like PSV’s Johan Bakayoko and Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo (both left-footed), would represent more likely options.

Only time will tell in which direction the club’s recruitment team will drive down this summer.

The post Exclusive: Liverpool tipped to win transfer battle for £25.2m Gareth Bale regen appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has claimed that former Tottenham and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale still has an offer from the Welsh club to join them.

Bale, who is still just 34 years old, surprised supporters by announcing his retirement from football in January 2023.

After leaving Real Madrid, he played for less than a year for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer.

Since gaining complete control of the Welsh team in 2021, McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, who are based in Hollywood, have had tremendous success at Wrexham.

After failing in his bid to sign Bale the previous year, McElhenney is not giving up and is once again pleading with the Welshman to come out of retirement for one last magical season in his country.

Now that Wrexham have advanced to League One at the first attempt, McElhenney is determined to persuade Bale to play football professionally again.

Bale has been informed by McElhenney that he can play golf whenever he wants as long as he is in training as part of his most recent unusual offer.

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“We’ll let him play golf whenever he wants. Just as long he comes training and we’ll figure out how to get him in the team.”

Gareth Bale is not thinking about playing again

Bale has no intention to come out of retirement and resume his successful playing career.

The Welsh star enjoyed success with Real Madrid after helping them win three La Liga titles and five Champions League titles.

If the Wrexham owners somehow convince him to play for the club, he would become their biggest player and would give the club further success on and off the pitch.

The post Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds make Gareth Bale offer for Wrexham move appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Gareth Bale believes Real Madrid could ‘comfortably’ win their Champions League final clash against Borussia Dortmund.

The two sides lock horns at Wembley on Saturday evening, with Los Blancos going in search of a record 15th title and sixth in 11 years, while Dortmund are aiming for a first triumph since 1997.

While it’s no surprise to see Real Madrid here given their dominance in this competition — not to mention losing just one La Liga match all season — Dortmund have upset the odds, beating the likes of PSG and Atletico Madrid despite only finishing fifth in the Bundesliga.

Die Schwarzgelben‘s run has been built on a strong defensive record, posting tournament-highs for goals conceded per match (0.8) and clean sheets (6).

• Edin Terzic outlines how Dortmund can beat Real Madrid in Champions League final

Even so, former Real Madrid forward Bale — who scored three Champions League final goals for the Spanish giants — still believes it could be a ‘comfortable’ victory for his old club.

“I obviously think Real Madrid will win, and possibly comfortably,” Bale said (via talkSPORT).

“Just having that experience of being there so many times, having the experience in the squad of older and younger players – they are a very complete team and it’s difficult to break them down.

“Football has funny things happen so you can obviously never say never, but I believe Real Madrid will come out on top.”

Bale backs Vinicius Jr to make the difference

Bale enjoyed a glittering period in the Spanish capital, coming up with defining moments to help Real Madrid win five Champions League titles, alongside three La Liga crowns and a Copa del Rey.

It’s safe to say the Welshman knows a thing or two about what it takes to get over the line in big matches.

So, who will make the difference for Real Madrid this time?

“My man of the match? Vinicius Jr,” Bale stated.

The stats certainly back Bale’s prediction, with Vinicius Jr hitting 23 goals and 11 assists across all competitions this season, including five strikes in the Champions League — only Erling Haaland (6), Antoine Griezmann (6), Kylian Mbappe (8) and Harry Kane (8) have scored more.

The post Dortmund vs Real Madrid: Gareth Bale makes Champions League final prediction appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Following his retirement from football, Gareth Bale has joined Steph Curry’s ‘Underrated Golf’ as an ambassador for the tour’s maiden European run.

Bale, 34, quit football after captaining Wales at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

During his playing career, the five-time Champions League winner was well-known for being an avid golfer.

Bale is joining NBA star Stephen Curry in his golf endeavors, following weeks after the player autographed a jersey for him while he was courtside at a Golden State Warriors game in Los Angeles.

The golf tour is hosting its debut event in the UK at the Walton Health Golf Course in May, marking its expansion from the US into Europe.

According to a report in the Mirror, Bale said:

“It’s an honour to join Stephen Curry and his Underrated Golf European Tour as ambassador as they expand their presence internationally this year.

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“I’ve admired the work the tour has done in the U.S. to grow the game of golf, a sport I love and believe in the vast opportunities it provides.

“My role as an ambassador allows me to fuse my enthusiasm for the sport with my passion for creating multi-faced sports opportunities for youth within Wales, and I look forward to seeing the young athletes’ skills when they step out on the greens at Walton Heath this May.”

As an ambassador, Bale joins Henni Koyack, a presenter for Sky Sports and a former player on the Ladies European Tour.

Gareth Bale will help young golfers

While providing direction and assistance, he will enlist athletes to compete in their events.

96 participants between the ages of 12 and 18 will compete in a 36-hole stroke play tournament over the course of two days in Surrey for the first-ever Underrated Golf competition in Europe.

The boys’ and girls’ champions will be guaranteed a spot in the Curry Cup Tour Championship in September.

The post Gareth Bale lands first job after retiring from football appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has named Tottenham hero Gareth Bale as his best ever teammate.

During his football career, Ramsey has played with some of the best players of the generation at Arsenal, Juventus and Wales.

From Mesut Ozil to Alexis Sanchez, Cristiano Ronaldo to Olivier Giroud, Ramsey was lucky enough to share the pitch with some truly world-class players during his football career.

Aaron Ramsey has played with some great players

When asked to pick his best-ever teammate, the midfielder actually mentioned a former Tottenham player, despite having spent his finest years at the Emirates.

Ramsey asserted in a TikTok interview with JD Football that Gareth Bale was his best teammate to date, calling the winger a fantastic player and teammate to work with.

“Who’s the best player you ever played with?”  Ramsey was asked.

“Best player I’ve played with is Gareth Bale. To see him in his prime and doing some of the things he was doing was just incredible to see,” Ramsey said.

Aaron Ramsey admires Gareth Bale

The former Tottenham and Real Madrid star almost took Wales to a Euro final, alongside Ramsey.

His career at Spanish giants Real Madrid is nothing short of legendary. He made decisive contributions to their Champions League triumphs against Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, while also helping the team win the Copa Del Rey and UEFA Super Cup.

At Spurs, Bale managed to win the PFA Player of the season and the Young player of the year award in the same season, displaying his incredible talent for the North London club throughout the season.

At Los Blancos, he formed a devastating attacking partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, that won all the major trophies while playing together.

Bale was a tremendous player, and it speaks something about his skill and talent that Ramsey considered him to be one of his best teammates ever.

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The post Aaron Ramsey names his best ever teammate, his choice will upset Arsenal fans appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi could reportedly returned to play for the club one final time in a one-off appearance for a Legends match against a World XI.

Messi, currently of MLS side Inter Miami, spent the bulk of his career at Barca before a surprise exit at the end of his contract in 2021, when he made the move to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

According to a report from Football Transfers, Messi could now line up at the Nou Camp one more time in 2024, giving him the chance to say a proper goodbye to the club.

The report names other all-time greats who could feature in this match, with former Barcelona players like Rivaldo, David Villa and Cesc Fabregas possibly set to be involved, while others like Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gareth Bale could feature for the World XI.

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This would be quite a spectacular event, and it would be intriguing to see so many great former players linking up together, even if it’s not a competitive game.

Messi surely deserves this chance to say a proper farewell to Barcelona fans after the sudden nature of his departure in 2021.

The post Lionel Messi set for Barcelona return in one-off game as part of star-studded line up appeared first on CaughtOffside.

It’s almost time for the North London Derby as Arsenal host Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.

This is one of the Premier League’s most anticipated fixtures as there always seem to be fireworks when these two meet, while many of the best players of the modern era in English football have represented these clubs.

Of course, it won’t be easy to get fans to agree on a best XI, but here’s our effort below – let us know what you think in the comments!

David Seaman

One of the finest goalkeepers in Premier League history, David Seaman was a great servant for both Arsenal and England for many years, making over 800 appearances in his career as a whole, and winning three league titles and four FA Cups with the Gunners.

Kyle Walker

One of the best right-backs we’ve had in English football, Kyle Walker started out at Tottenham and established himself as a star player there before continuing to shine as a Manchester City player.

Ashley Cole

Although he soured his reputation with Arsenal fans for joining rivals Chelsea, Ashley Cole is undoubtedly still one of the Gunners’ best-ever players, forming a key part of that famous Invincibles side before continuing to enjoy a great career in the Premier League when he moved to Stamford Bridge.

Sol Campbell

One of the few players to represent both north London clubs, Sol Campbell stunned the footballing world when he left Spurs at the end of his contract and made the short move to Highbury. He went on to become another member of that legendary Invincibles side, and remains one of the very finest centre-backs of the modern era.

Ledley King

Arguably one of the most underrated players in Premier League history, Ledley King could have been an even greater servant to Tottenham and England had he not suffered with so many injury problems.

Patrick Vieira

Still regarded alongside Roy Keane as one of the top midfield destroyers we’ve seen in the Premier League, Patrick Vieira always seemed to come alive in these games and seems an obvious pick for this XI.

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Cesc Fabregas

Another Arsenal great and one of the finest playmakers of his generation, Cesc Fabregas enjoyed some great moments in this derby, including a superb long-range strike in a win at White Hart Lane in 2007, and that solo run straight from Spurs’ kick-off at the Emirates Stadium in a game in 2009.

Luka Modric

Although his peak ended up being away from Tottenham, Luka Modric first showed the world what he could do with some superb performances in that famous white shirt before cementing his legendary status in the white of Real Madrid, where he remains a key player to this day.

Gareth Bale

While he didn’t have the longevity of players like Robert Pires and Son Heung-min at this level, Gareth Bale’s peak was arguably more explosive. The Welshman was absolutely unplayable in that 2012/13 campaign which ended up earning him what was, at the time, a world-record transfer to Real Madrid. He won a few Champions League titles there before returning to Tottenham on loan in 2020/21.

Thierry Henry

Widely regarded as the best ever to play in the Premier League, Thierry Henry is an easy pick for this front three. The Frenchman surprisingly only scored five times in North London derbies, but that includes one of this fixture’s all-time great goals as he dribbled from inside his own half, taking on pretty much the entire Tottenham team before slotting home in a 3-0 win for Arsenal in 2002.

Harry Kane

With 14 NLD goals, Harry Kane is this fixture’s all-time leading scorer, and undoubtedly one of the greats of the Premier League. Having joined Bayern Munich this summer, the England international won’t be able to add to this record today, but he’s still made his mark in this rivalry and his record will take some beating.

The post Best Premier League era North London XI, featuring Arsenal legends, Tottenham goal machine & controversial figure appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Gareth Bale will forever be attached to the history of Real Madrid despite having a turbulent relationship with the fans of the Spanish giants and when speaking about Jude Bellingham, the former Wales star has revealed how to keep the fans on his side at the La Liga outfit.

The former winger was speaking to Sky Sports whilst on a golf course and was asked about Bellingham following another impressive performance for England against Scotland on Tuesday night.

The 20-year-old has made a fast start to life at the Bernabeu, scoring five goals and assisting another across his opening four league matches and the youngster is a big topic of conversation at the moment.

Speaking about Bellingham, Bale said: “He has had a great start at Madrid. Obviously, he is scoring goals, which is important; especially at a club like that and to get off to a good start to life in Madrid is always important.”

The Welshman says that will keep the fans of Real Madrid on his side and when it was put to Bale if that is an important thing a player needs to do, the former Madrid star said whilst smiling: ” For sure, you do.”

The 34-year-old continued by saying: “He is doing well and he will keep doing Britain proud I guess.

“The sky is his limit, I think if he keeps working hard and doing what he is doing then the sky is the limit for him.”

?? “The sky is the limit for him.”

Gareth Bale on Jude Bellingham. ? pic.twitter.com/d1O0n5QRYk

— Football Daily (@footballdaily) September 13, 2023

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The post Video: “The sky is the limit” – Gareth Bale tells Jude Bellingham how to keep fans on side at Real Madrid appeared first on CaughtOffside.

After seeing out his football career at MLS side Los Angeles FC, Gareth Bale would appear to be enjoying himself away from the glare of the cameras at present.

The Welshman has retired from all forms of the game, both internationally and at club level, and even if he could go on for at least another year or two, given that he’s still only 33, it doesn’t appear that he wants to – despite the best efforts of Wrexham duo, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Hey @GarethBale11 let’s play golf, where I totally won’t spend 4 hours trying to convince you to un-retire for one last magical season ??????? ??????? ??????? ??????? ?? pic.twitter.com/FZgXZbM4zx

— Rob McElhenney (@RMcElhenney) April 25, 2023

Back in April, Bale’s congratulations prompted McElhenney to cheekily suggest a round of golf so he could persuade the multiple Champions League winner to come out of retirement.

Given how well Wrexham have done under the stewardship of the two American film stars, it wouldn’t be the worst decision Bale will have ever made.

However, Jonathan Barnett has finally put paid to that notion, but has made a preposterous claim in the process.

“He’s flattered by the offers, but they’re all tongue-in-cheek. He’s having a great life at the moment and [it is] well-deserved,” he said to Sky Sports, quotes obtained by football.london.

“He’s been the best British footballer probably ever.

“He’s now having a well-deserved rest. They [Reynolds and McElhenney] haven’t actually spoken to me, they may have spoken to Gareth but Gareth doesn’t want to play football anymore. He’s had a great career and he’s enjoyed himself, but he’s having a great life now.

“He’s with his family which is the most important thing. He’s spending a lot of time with his children and that’s what he wants to do.”

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Whilst there’s no doubting that, alongside Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, Bale was part of one of the most incredible front threes that football has seen at Real Madrid, to suggest that he’s better than George Best or Jimmy Greaves et al is an astonishing faux pas from Barnett.

With friends like that, who needs enemies?!

The post Agent of former Tottenham and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale makes preposterous claim appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Gareth Bale has announced his next step after recently retiring from football.

Bale recently announced his retirement from football after his beloved Wales were knocked out of the World Cup.

Bale will go down as one of the greatest ever players to have come out of Great Britain, and he’s now announced his next steps following his retirement.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Gareth Bale (@garethbale11)

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Bale will be playing in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am next month. Bale’s love for Golf is well documented and it could be a path he goes down on a permanent basis.

The post Gareth Bale makes announcement regarding next step after retiring from football appeared first on CaughtOffside.