The 26-Year-Old Scores In Each Of His Country’s Matches During Euro 2016

Sports lawyers at Irwin Mitchell say negotiations will be intense and lengthy over Real Madrid’s reported ‘contract for life’ for footballer Gareth Bale after his heroic performance for Wales in Euro 2016.

The 26-year-old footballer has scored in each of his country’s three matches as they finished top of Group B, above England, as well as helping Madrid win an 11th Champions League title last season.

Bale is apparently attracting the attention of bosses at major clubs across Europe including Manchester United, and according to recent media reports, Madrid owner Florentino Pérez is reviewing his contract to offer him one of the most profitable contracts in the football industry - with seven more years at the Bernabéu.

Tom Barnard, an expert sports lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, said:

Expert Opinion

“Offering a player a seven year contract – as is speculated here – is relatively unusual and is the reserved privilege of only the highest profile players. Such contracts are technically quite complicated so as to mitigate against the risks inherent in a long-term deal.

“For example, Bale’s advisors will insist on regular salary reviews to ensure his earnings keep pace with other high profile players and Bale may be able to insist that he is at all times the most highly paid player on Real Madrid’s books for the duration of the contract.

“Conversely, Real Madrid will want safeguards in place should Bale become injured, lose his form, or should his current “golden boy” reputation be tarnished in any way. The value of Bale to Real Madrid is far more than his talent on field; they will be relying on him to drive shirt sales and promote the club globally.

“Because of this, the negotiations are likely to be intense and lengthy, but there’s every chance a long-term deal could be agreed bearing in mind the mutual interest to both parties.”
Tom Barnard - Partner

While Cristiano Ronaldo remains the notorious “face” of the Spanish capital, there are rumours that Madrid executives are planning for the welsh footballer to take over as their prized asset.

The former Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur forward joined Real Madrid for a world-record £85m in 2013. Since leaving England, Bale has scored 58 goals in 123 appearances for the club.