Harry Redknapp has said that it would be a “great move” for Gareth Bale if he was to move to Manchester United from Real Madrid.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has begun his Old Trafford rebuild with the signing of Daniel James from Swansea City, and is expected to bring in more additions before the start of the season in August.
Speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast programme [talkSPORT, Monday, 10:10am], Brazil was discussing the ‘Class of ’92’ which came through and had so much success at United.
Redknapp was then asked by Brazil if United would be a good move for Bale and he had this response: “I think it would be a great move for him to go and get his career back on track again,” the 72-year-old said.
“He’s a fantastic player and he can change any team, he’s that good. He’d be a great signing for them. Ok if they’ve got one or two kids coming through as well, that’s great as well. But what happened with the six lads who came – that happens once in God knows how many years.
“I had it with West Ham when six kids came through, with Rio [Ferdinand] and Frank [Lampard] and that group came through. They’ve gone years and years without producing a player up until that little group appeared.
“To get another five or six kids coming through who are going to be great players is very, very difficult. So you do need that blend of experience and youth, for sure, but someone like Gareth would be a great signing.”
OPINION
Redknapp is spot on here. Some would say that signing Bale would be a terrible move, because signing top talent supposedly at the peak of their powers – such as Alexis Sanchez – has clearly not worked for the Old Trafford club. But as Redknapp says, you need that blend of players who can provide experience and good decision-making, as well as younger players who are not afraid to try something new. It is not that Solskjaer should seek to sign only young players. Of course the Norwegian boss needs older players too. But it is about finding that balance, and signing Bale along with some youngsters like James would certainly do that. As for the player himself, Bale must be desperate to get his career back on track after it has not worked out for him at Madrid, and a move back to the Premier League would surely excite him.