Wales and Real Madrid star Gareth Bale is one of the most high-profile players in the world game. Yet, his future in the Spanish capital seems to be the subject of constant speculation.

This summer is no different. There is once again speculation that Bale is set for the Bernabeu exit in the near future. Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane decided not to play Bale in Los Blancos final game of the season, a 2-0 defeat at home against Real Betis.

Does not fit into Zidane’s team

When asked about Bale, Zidane is quoted by Sky Sports as saying: “I don’t know if it’s the last game or not. I don’t know what’s going to happen.

“I’m sorry he didn’t get to play, but no-one knows what will happen. If I think a player doesn’t fit in the team I have to do what I think works best.

“No one can change what Bale has done for the team, but as a coach, I have to live in the present. I have counted on other players more in recent weeks. I make these decisions when it is right to do so, and I must act in the best interests of the team at all times.”

Bale not a universal success in Madrid

The 29-year-old has never seemed to have been a universal success at Real Madrid since his then record-breaking move from Tottenham back in 2013. He Welsh was regarded as the latest Galactico and a player who would thrive in La Liga.

Despite winning the Champions League on four occasions, La Liga and Copa del Rey, some believe that Bale has not lived up to expectations in the Spanish capital. His time with Los Blancos has been plagued by niggling injuries, which have affected his form.

He has shown his talent in flashes in Madrid. However, the forward has not become the superstar that many in Madrid expected and hoped he would.

Linked with a return to English football

Despite reports of a summer exit, reportedly Bale is prepared to sit out his contract on the Real Madrid bench if the right offer does not come his way. The decision is understandable considering he is on a massive wage packet, which very few clubs in the world could match.

The two current favourites to capture the signature of the Welsh forward this season are Manchester United and former club Tottenham. Both have been consistently linked with moves for Bale.

However, prior to this season, the 29-year-old has always stated he is happy in the Spanish capital and was not interested in a return to the Premier League.

At this moment in time, though, Bale seems to be closer to the Bernabeu exit door than ever. Zidane does not seem to be a fan of the former Southampton and the forward’s future with Los Blancos looks bleak if he stays.

Due to his aforementioned big wage packet, the Spanish giants may struggle to offload the forward this summer. It appears that Bale may have to accept a pay cut in order to move on this summer.

However, Bale holds all the power in this situation so the Spanish club may have to give the forward a big pay-off to get off the wage bill. It is unclear where Gareth Bale will be playing his football next season, but if he stays in Madrid, then he may not be seen much in a white shirt.

Will Gareth Bale leave Real Madrid this summer?