The Gareth Bale Cardiff City takeover situation amid reports of official offer
Multiple reports have emerged that Cardiff have received takeover bids from a Gareth Bale-led consortium
Former Wales, and Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale
(Image: Getty Images )
It has been two weeks since a story emerged which revealed a Gareth Bale-led consortium were interested in taking over Cardiff City.
Understandably, it's a story which gripped the Bluebirds fan base. One of Cardiff's most decorated sons and the capital city club. It then ramped up when Bale spoke publicly to confirm his interest during a press opportunity at the UK premiere of the F1 movie starring Brad Pitt. "We are interested in getting Cardiff," Bale told Sky Sports.
Bale added: "We are trying to engage with Cardiff and more news will come out on that in the future but hopefully we can get something done."
Bale was right, more news did emerge. This week news reports of a bid being officially lodged were reported, adding fuel to the takeover talk. Join the Cardiff City breaking news and top stories WhatsApp community
The Times claimed that the Bale-led consortium had tabled a £40m bid, while Sky Sports today suggested it was a £20m offer.
Cardiff sources have confirmed there has been interest from Bale's group, as there has been from many others —there are other interested and well-funded parties— and there has been a letter of intent.
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However multiple sources have now also insisted no official proposal has yet been put forward and while the interest is real, it is not as advanced as other reports might suggest. That being said, the consortium are unlikely to go away anytime soon.
Indeed the huge differential in figures adds another confusing layer to all of this. And despite repeated approaches from WalesOnline, sources close to the consortium have declined to comment nor confirm whether a bid has officially been tabled.
While talks have taken place, that is relatively normal as far as Cardiff are concerned. Cardiff as a club and a place is a hugely-attractive proposition for would-be buyers, of course, with a first-class infrastructure, a huge, populous catchment area and vast potential to be tapped into.
Vincent Tan has been at the helm for 15 years and has received numerous enquiries from many interested parties over the years.
As for the valuation, well, as ever, that is determined by the selling party. Football expert Kieran Maguire estimated that the club, now in League One, is likely worth somewhere in the region of £30m-£35m, however that would forego the eye-watering debt owed to Tan.
Where he draws the line in terms of just how much money he is willing to write off is entirely his prerogative, of course.
Tan has always maintained the stance that "everything is for sale except family", however in a post-relegation statement he reaffirmed his commitment to getting Cardiff back into the second tier.
"To lose our place in the Championship is upsetting," he said in April.
"The important thing is that we regain it at the earliest opportunity and I would like to take this chance to tell you that I am committed to getting us back."
Tan has received his fair share of criticism, too. The Malaysian businessman has overseen two promotions to the Premier League, but the most recent drop means he has suffered more relegations than promotions as Cardiff chief.
Some supporters believe it is time for a fresh start under new leadership, however Tan insists he still has the fire within him to turn the trajectory of the club on its head.
"To say I don't care is wrong and I strongly push back on that," he added. "I watch every game and speak to the board and manager before and after each one. My family will tell you: I kick every ball!
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"We have enjoyed good times together. I can tell all Cardiff City supporters that it is my intention to support correcting the situation we find ourselves in. I want us to all pull in the same direction.
"I will make every effort to be in Cardiff at the next opportunity that my scheduling allows. I am sorry that we are where we are this summer. It is now time to rebuild." Sign up to our daily Cardiff City newsletter here.
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