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Gareth Bale has revealed that Manchester United submitted a financially superior offer to Tottenham Hotspur compared to Real Madrid during the dramatic 2013 transfer saga. The Welsh star confirmed that United's bid exceeded the £85 million world-record fee eventually paid by Madrid, and even included an additional player in the proposal.
Bale opens up on Man United’s superior offer before joining Real Madrid
During his appearance on the Stick to Football podcast, Bale revealed:
"I spoke with David Moyes, but my heart was set on Madrid anyway.”
The former Real Madrid player continued:
"I think I chose the right one [based on the] last 12 years.”
Bale added:
"I didn't go down the wages route with United. I didn't get that far. They offered more money to buy me, and a player [too], but it didn't really get any legs to be honest no."
Despite the more lucrative terms from the Premier League side under new manager David Moyes, Bale's preference remained firmly with the Spanish giants. The revelation highlights how close Bale came to joining the Red Devils instead of embarking on his iconic nine-year spell at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Bale disclosed that he held direct discussions with Moyes about the potential move, but never progressed to negotiating personal terms such as wages. He emphasized that his decision was driven by a long-standing ambition to play for Real Madrid, describing how his heart was set on the Bernabéu regardless of the competing offer.
The transfer ultimately proved transformative for Bale, who went on to win five Champions League titles, multiple La Liga crowns, and other major honors with Madrid. Meanwhile, United's post-Ferguson era under Moyes began with immediate struggles, failing to secure top-four finishes in subsequent seasons and marking the start of prolonged inconsistency.
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