Plymouth Argyle: investment group in talks, Ryan Hardie departs
The PA news agency understands the group featuring Bale has registered an interest in buying Argyle, but the process is at a very early stage
There's lots of news coming out of Plymouth Agyle - including how former football supersar Gareth Bale is reported to be part of a US investment group in talks over a buyout of League One club Plymouth.
Bale would be the latest big name to be associated with buying an EFL Club
The Telegraph were first to report that the 35-year-old former Real Madrid and Wales forward was part of the group seeking to buy Argyle.
The PA news agency understands the group featuring Bale has registered an interest in buying Argyle, but the process is at a very early stage.
Should the deal go through, Bale would be the latest big sporting name to be associated with an EFL club.
Bale's former Real team-mate Luka Modric became an investor and co-owner in Championship side Swansea in April, while ex-NFL quarterback Tom Brady has a minority stake in Birmingham.
Plymouth declined to comment.
Bale retired from football in January 2023 at the age of 33. He won five Champions League titles with Real and is the men's all-time record goalscorer for Wales with 41 in 111 caps.
Bale featured for Wales at the 2022 World Cup - their first appearance at the global finals since 1958 - and at the Euros in 2016 and 2020.
Ryan Hardie
Well, from one club bought out by a superstar to another: Wrexham.
The side have announced the signing of striker Ryan Hardie from Plymouth for an undisclosed fee.
Hardie, who has signed a contract until the end of the 2027-28 season, is the first player to join the Welsh club since their promotion to the Sky Bet Championship.
The 28-year-old scored 74 goals in a five-year spell at Home Park but could not prevent Argyle's relegation to League One.
Hardie told his new club's official website: "The last couple of seasons, it's been good getting experience in the EFL Championship and it's experience I can lean on now.
"I've enjoyed playing there, and I've managed to score a few goals, so hopefully that can continue this season."