By ‘Alex O’Loughlin
August 27 – Gareth Bale looks set to join Real Madrid before the close of the transfer market for a world record fee in excess of €90 million, and Madrid have already started work on recouping that ooutlay.
While los Blancos are still trying to finalise the deal, those in charge of Madrid’s finances are already plotting how to exploit the Welshman’s desirability in order to recoup the significant – and record breaking – expenditure.
Real Madrid need to squeeze the most out of the 24-year-old’s image rights and the possibility of broadcasting the Welsh star’s debut is very attractive for television channels. The club has surrendered their usual evening kick off against Athletic Bilbao next Sunday for a less usual noon kick-off, which accommodates their sizeable (in terms of finance) fanbase in the Middle East.
Sponsorship will be another major money spinning opportunity for Madrid, with the club’s shirt sponsor, Fly Emirates, wanting Carlo Ancelotti’s side to play a friendly in Dubai during the winter break.
The Real Madrid official store are already selling shirts with Bale’s name emblazoned across the back, further whipping up the excitement surrounding the arrival of one of the Premier League’s most prized assets.
Jose Mourinho halted the ceremonial unveiling of new signings during his tenure, but the departure of the Portuguese means that president Florentino Perez can once again rule the roost and flaunt Bale to a near capacity Bernabéu stadium.
Although Bale has not yet officially traded London and the Premier League for Madrid and La Liga, the winger has already featured in roughly a third of Marca’s front pages in the last month alone, signifying the media attention the transfer saga has attracted.
The wheels are already very much in motion to make sure the winger is a success in the Spanish capital both on and off the pitch.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734805317labto1734805317ofdlr1734805317owedi1734805317sni@n1734805317ilhgu1734805317olo.x1734805317ela1734805317. Alex is assistant editor of www.laliganews.tv