Why did Gareth Bale sign with LAFC? Former Champions League hero makes MLS switch

LAFC made a shocking splash when the Major League Soccer club announced the signing of Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale.

The Welshman had endured a tough end to a Real Madrid spell that lasted nine years and peaked with heroic moments in the Champions League final. His minutes dwindled on the field, and he endured endless criticism from fans and media that often felt undeserved and even downright nasty.

Yet he endured, almost singlehandedly carrying Wales through the UEFA World Cup qualifying playoffs this summer and into a spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Bale scored two goals against Austria in the semifinals and assisted the winner against Ukraine in the final. With his Real Madrid contract expiring, Bale put himself in the shop window.

LAFC, atop the Western Conference standings, couldn’t resist. Amidst rumors of a move home to Cardiff City, Bale instead raised eyebrows as he moved to MLS alongside fellow European star Giorgio Chiellini.

MORE: Why the LA Galaxy vs. LAFC derby is nicknamed “El Trafico”

See you soon, Los Angeles. 👊 @LAFC @LAFC3252 pic.twitter.com/GVP8WVWLPe

— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) June 25, 2022

Why did Gareth Bale sign with LAFC?

Chief among the reasons for joining the MLS side is to prepare for the 2022 World Cup. The 32-year-old attacker carried Wales through the UEFA playoffs and into this winter’s big dance, but regular minutes would only benefit Bale as he looks to be in his best form for the World Cup.

Additionally, Los Angeles is a great place for Bale to stay relevant on the world stage should he wish to prove he can still play at a high level. Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined the LA Galaxy in 2018 at the age of 36, and his high level of play earned him an eventual move back to AC Milan. Bale could take a similar route back to Europe should he show better consistency than the latter stages of his Real Madrid tenure.

Los Angeles also isn’t a terrible place to be if Bale wants to regain relevance in the endorsement universe as well.

Finally, there’s excellent flexibility for Bale in his contract. While he initially signed a 12-month deal, which runs through next summer, he could extend his stay further if he would like, as the contract has multiple options that could potentially push it all the way through 2024.

Bale has always been a more relaxed personality whose love of golf got him in trouble with the demanding Real Madrid supporters, but in LA, he could find himself in the perfect situation.

MORE: USMNT transfer news for summer 2022 window as U.S. stars look for new homes

Why did LAFC want to sign Gareth Bale?

There’s no doubting the overall abilities of Gareth Bale, but with LAFC having just pounced on the opportunity to bring aboard Giorgio Chiellini from Juventus, what tempted LAFC to pounce on another European star days later? Indeed, Bale’s last few years at Real Madrid were strained, receiving precious few minutes on the field yet copious criticism off it.

First off, Bale doesn’t arrive as an expensive player who takes up a Designated Player slot. Instead, he’s being paid a paltry $1.3 million across his one-year deal. LAFC used “targeted allocation money” to buy his contract down to the salary maximum, not needing to use a DP slot.

That salary reflects Bale’s status within the squad. LAFC is already one of the best attacking teams in the league, tied atop the goalscoring charts with 35 goals through 18 games. Bale is not meant to be the focal point of the team’s attack, but rather an additional boost for established star Carlos Vela and his supporting cast. Vela has six goals and five assists through his 16 appearances, but could use some help to put LAFC clean through atop the Western Conference.

The signing makes a ton of sense from the club side, as LAFC get an established European star at a bargain price who can fill a need in the attack without needing to come in and immediately be the main man.

“LAFC and Gareth are hoping this is a long-term partnership,” said LAFC general manager John Thorrington. “It was never about six months just ahead of the World Cup. We were always talking longer-term than that.” It makes sense that they see it that way, too.

The Secondary Transfer Window in MLS is officially open today. Summer signings are eligible to debut now (pending visa & health of course.

-Lorenzo Insigne
-Hector Herrera
-Gareth Bale
-Cucho Hernandez
-Giorgio Chiellini

With more already signed & many more to come. pic.twitter.com/JfhxmgbcQc

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) July 7, 2022

When will Gareth Bale debut for LAFC?

It was thought that both Bale and fellow signing Georgio Chiellini could debut in this weekend’s home El Trafico meeting with the LA Galaxy, but that has recently been thrown into doubt.

As of Wednesday, Bale had not yet received the necessary documentation to appear for the MLS club, or even train with the side. “The process is still ongoing, so I don’t have an answer for you,” said coach Steve Cherundolo at his Wednesday media opportunity.

Bale is waiting for his P1 Athlete Visa from the U.S. government, and his International Transfer Certificate from the International Futbol X-Change.

If all goes according to plan, Bale should be available for one of the team’s upcoming matches after this weekend’s derby. LAFC is on the road for its next two matches, with games on July 17 against playoff contenders Nashville SC and July 23 against basement-dwellers Sporting KC. Then, they’re back home for a date with the Seattle Sounders on July 29.

Chiellini, however, has been training with the squad and is expected to make his debut for the club in Friday’s match.

MORE: Real Madrid transfer rumors for summer 2022 window

How will Gareth Bale do in MLS?

There are challenges every player faces when joining a new league, and even established European stars have faced such difficulties upon arriving in Major League Soccer. Ask Andrea Pirlo or Frank Lampard how their MLS tenures went, and they’ll surely tell you as much.

Still, Gareth Bale should hit the ground running in MLS once he arrives with the team.

Despite being 32 years old, his lack of minutes the last few years at Real Madrid can serve to give him extra juice at his age. Additionally, his form with the Wales national team serves to show his ability to transition between styles of play just fine, moving from the fast-paced La Liga to a more cagey European international scene with aplomb.

MLS is a physical league, and he will no doubt feel the brunt of that upon arrival, but he should be an excellent addition to the LAFC attack, so long as he can stay healthy, which has been a struggle over the past few years.