Gareth Bale: Why Wales star must leave Real Madrid this summer following another frustrating season in Spain

Gareth Bale should opt to leave Real Madrid this summer, following a lack of first-team action at the Bernabeu this season.

The 30-year-old has featured just 16 times in La Liga throughout this campaign, scoring two goals and setting up a further two for Los Blancos.

Since joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013, the Welshman made 229 appearances for the record Champions League winners, bagging 96 goals in all competitions.

During his time in Spain, he has also won a total of four UEFA Champions League titles, including scoring a brace against Liverpool, in 2018 – after coming on as a substitute, in Kyiv.

His first goal will go down as one of the great European goals of all time; as he struck a sublime overhead kick to Inspire Los Blancos to a 3-1 victory in the Ukrainian capital.

Real Madrid are also on course to win the La Liga title this season. They lead El Clasico rivals Barcelona by four points, with just three games to spare.

Bale won the Spanish top-flight with the Bernabeu-outfit previously in the 2016/2017 season. He also scored the winning goal in the Copa del Rey final, in his first full season at the Spanish capital, following a scintillating run and finish.

He has fallen out with Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane in the past and was set to join Chinese Super League outfit Jiangsu Suning last summer, but his move was reportedly blocked by the Spanish giants.

Bale should have a number of options to move on, there is no doubt about that. Former club Tottenham Hotspur have shown interest recently, alongside their Premier League rivals, Manchester United – and former player and Wales manager, Ryan Giggs, could persuade the winger to join the Red Devils.

Bale has been a magnificent servant for Wales, too. Since making his debut in 2006, he has gone onto score 33 goals in 83 outings for the Red Dragons.

He will no doubt be crucial for Wales next year too, as they gear up for their second successive European Championships – following their unforgettable Euro 2016 tournament, where they booked a semi-final spot, before losing 2-0 to Portugal.

The former Southampton youngster has had good times in La Liga with Real Madrid, but he needs regular playing time, and the only way he is going to achieve that, is by leaving.

Another Welsh player who could be set to move this summer is youngster Ethan Ampadu, after his spell at Bundesliga outfit Red Bull Leipzig ended.

The versatile Chelsea defender may have suitors in the United Kingdom, who are keen to snap up the talented 19-year-old on loan – in order for him to get regular first-team action.

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)