A consortium led by Gareth Bale has submitted a formal bid, believed to be worth around £40 million, to acquire Cardiff City. The club, which was relegated from the Championship to League One in May, saw its owner, Malaysian tycoon Chan Tien Ghee, state he is unwilling to sell to Bale and his partners.
A formal offer has now been tabled, with the 35-year-old Bale reportedly backed by American investors. Cardiff’s descent to English football’s third tier for the first time in over 20 years has led Chan and his associates to deem the bid "insulting," as the Malaysian billionaire has invested over £200 million in the club.
This means the offer is likely to be rejected outright, despite reflecting the resolve of Bale’s group.
Last month, the former Wales international made no secret of his desire to own his hometown club, calling a potential takeover "a dream come true." "I know how passionate Welsh fans and Cardiff fans are," Bale said. "It would be great to try and do something together. We’re trying to engage with Cardiff, and more news will follow, but hopefully we can make progress."
