The Daily Mail claim Tottenham Hotspur star Gareth Bale wants £200,000 per week to stay at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham Hotspur star Gareth Bale has made no secret of his desire to play in next season’s UEFA Champions League, and the fact that Spurs narrowly missed out has resulted in the questioning of his future at the club.
However, the newspapers were near-unanimous yesterday that the north London club’s star player would sign a new contract worth between £130,000 – £150,000 per week regardless.
This morning produced a different story, with the Daily Mail claiming that the Welshman now demanding £200,000 per week in order to remain at White Hart Lane.
Few players in the world are on such a figure, with only perhaps Wayne Rooney and Robin Van Persie at Manchester United, and Yaya Toure at Manchester City able to command such huge financial packages.
If true, it certainly throws Spurs’ wage structure out of balance – even if Bale is amongst the world football elite.
It’s worth bearing in mind that since moving to Tottenham in 2007, the 23 year-old has signed a new contract in 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012, and even if performances carry on improving, it is unrealistic to expect a new deal on an almost annual basis.
Bale is a brilliant player, and one to build a team around at the Lane, but instead of caving to his every demand, the club would be better served investing that money in the transfer market to improve the playing squad – especially as his contract doesn’t expire until 2016.
Tottenham are only a few players short of a genuine title challenging team, and although they have missed out on UEFA Champions League revenue this season, it is not hard to see them meeting the goal this season – if they strengthen the team.
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