Former Real Madrid and Wales star Gareth Bale is reportedly involved with a U.S.-based consortium in early-stage talks to acquire League One club Plymouth Argyle. This comes after a previous deal to sell a stake in the club collapsed, as confirmed by current owner Simon Hallett last month.
If the takeover proceeds, Bale would follow in the footsteps of his former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric, who joined the ownership group of Swansea City in April 2025. Like Modric, Bale could be aiming to boost the club’s global profile.
Plymouth, recently relegated to League One, endured a turbulent season. Wayne Rooney’s short-lived managerial stint ended in disappointment, and his successor, Miron Muslic, departed for Schalke. The club appointed Tom Cleverley, former Manchester United player and Watford boss, as manager on 13 June.
Bale, who retired from football in 2023 at age 35, has not disclosed what specific role he would play if the consortium’s takeover is successful. His involvement echoes a broader trend of celebrity athletes investing in football clubs, following high-profile examples like Tom Brady at Birmingham City and the Hollywood-backed rise of Wrexham.
Source: BBC
