Tottenham complete the signings of Bale and Reguilon from Real Madrid

Tottenham have completed the signings of Gareth Bale and Sergio Reguilon from Real Madrid. Bale has re-joined his former team on a season long loan, with Reguilon joining on a permanent basis for a fee around £20 million. 

Bale joined Madrid in 2013 for £85 million which made him the most expensive British player in history and enjoyed periods of success at the Spanish giants winning four Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, one Copa Del Rey title and three Uefa Super Cups. However, disagreements with management and injuries saw him sit on the bench last season and have very limited playing time.

There is no denying that the Welsh international had a massive impact on the club, scoring key trophy winning goals in the Copa Del Rey and the Champions League final and more than 100 goals for the club. But his time at the club has come to an end as manager Zinedine Zidane has deemed his surplus to requirements, with Tottenham who desperately need to bolster their front line and provide help for Harry Kane keen to take him on board.

 Despite his departure from the club, Zidane claims that he never had a problem with the Welsh forward. “It's more complicated. With Bale it's always about one side against the other. But I've never had a problem with Gareth… Now he's making a change, all we can do is wish him the best... These things happen in football, but I've always said he was a spectacular player." Zidane told the media on Saturday. 

Bale is pleased to be back playing football for the club that made him the most expensive player in the world at that point in time. "It's nice to be back. It's such a special club to me. It's where I made my name, 

"Hopefully, now I can get some match fitness, get under way and really help the team and, hopefully, win trophies." said Bale.

He continued: "I always thought when I did leave that I would love to come back." 

BBC pundit Danny Murphy believes that the signing of Gareth Bale is a major signing for Tottenham and will change the way that opponents think approach Spurs as he believes the Welsh international has that ‘wow’ factor.

“So, Bale will not just have a positive effect on his new Tottenham team-mates and give them a massive confidence boost, he will change the way opposition players feel about facing Spurs.” Danny Murphy told BBC Sport.

“They will be worried when they see his name on the teamsheet and then, when they face him on the pitch, I can tell you now they will drop off five yards because they will be scared of him - whoever they are.”

“For what he can bring to this Spurs side, even as a short-term fix on loan, it could be the difference between them finishing in the European places or not. He is that good.

“I love the fact he is so versatile and can play anywhere across the pitch. Whatever the occasion and whatever Mourinho's plan, Bale will play a role.” Murphy wrote in his analysis for BBC Sport.

Reguilon will follow Real Madrid team mate to White Hart Lane. The left-back spent last season on loan ay Sevilla which saw him win the Uefa Europa League.

The promising 23-year-old Spain international will make a permanent move to the London club after it was deemed that he would see limited playing time this season at the Bernabéu. 

 Zidane justified the club’s transfer policy and the sale of Reguilon saying that: "We have two players for each position - no more… "I have two left-backs and I can't have more because then it's a lot. It makes things more complicated we can just wish Reguilon all the best."

The acquisition of Reguilon, Tottenham and Jose Mourinho will have overhauled and improved their back four, with Eric Dier making the transition from defensive midfielder to centre back and right-back Matt Doherty joining the club from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer transfer window.

Reguilon, who came through the Real Madrid academy, joins the London club on a five-year deal. 

 “I’m very happy to be here!” Said the Spanish international.

“I really like the club’s philosophy and the coach. I like the club’s project and I’m eager to grow as a player. Tottenham have world-class players and a world-class coach, and I want to work with them.

 “I think that I’m coming to the best and most difficult league in the world. I’m excited about this adventure. I think that I can bring joy and energy to the team with my style.” He added.

 “The games that I’ve played in Spain gave me the experience necessary to be at a club like Tottenham, but I think this will be absolutely different to anything that I’ve experienced before in football. In the end, it’s football, but the games will be more physical and faster, so I have to adapt and compete. I’m very excited to play. I can bring some positive things to the team and I hope to do it as soon as possible.” The 23-year-old said in an interview on Tottenham’s website.

 The signings of Gareth Bale and Sergio Reguilon bolster and strengthen Tottenham. Providing much needed depth and help to Jose Mourinho’s side.