Xi Jinping makes Gareth Bale his £1m-a-week king

Gareth Bale hopes to have a ‘David Beckham’ effect on Chinese football if he completes his anticipated move to Jiangsu Suning in a deal which could be worth in-excess of £1million-per-week.

The Real Madrid star has entered the closing stages of negotiations with Jiangsu Suning, in a move that has shocked the footballing world.

It is understood that Bale – who is statistically Britain’s most successful footballer – feels he has accomplished everything in the European game.

The Welsh wizard wants to provide a similar inspirational role that David Beckham had when he moved to MLS side LA Galaxy in 2007, as reported by The Guardian.

Gareth Bale (pictured left) is understood to want to emulate David Beckham’s time in Major League Soccer (MLS)

Gareth Bale (right) is on the brink of joining Chinese Super League outfit Jiangsu Suning

Capturing Beckham’s signature was something of a coup for Major League Soccer (MLS), and described by MLS Comissioner Don Garber as ‘one of the most important moments for soccer in this country,’ at the time. 

But it wasn’t just fanfare, Beckham acted as a lynchpin for an increase in league attendances, and a spike in interest in the league.

Not to mention his continued fine form on the field, resulting in back-to-back MLS cups for the Galaxy.

Bale, whose six-year stay in the Spanish capital is set to come to an end, was previously mobbed by fans at last year’s China Cup, indicating his high level of popularity already.  

Perhaps presciently, he did not rule out a move to China as the time. 

He said: ‘Whenever I come to China we always have such an amazing reception from the Chinese fans.’

‘It’s a great country with great people. I’m sure that if I ever did come I’ll be looked after very well.’ 

Reports in Spain on Friday night indicated Bale would sign a three year contract with Jiangsu.

Sportsmail revealed on Tuesday that Bale would scoop a minimum of £20million in a welcome bonus, which will be paid during the course of his contract in China, before he’d even kick a ball.

But it is not thought Bale’s family will make the move with him to Nanjing, with his wife Emma and three children, Alba Violet, six, Nava Valentina, three, and Axel Charles, staying in Spain.

A relative told The Mirror:  ‘It’d be too much of a culture shock to move to China with three young children,’ the relative added.

‘They didn’t learn Spanish so I can’t see Gareth having Mandarin lessons any time soon.

‘And he’s not much of a fan of Chinese food – even when he’s home.’

The Wales international has been exiled under Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane

His contract will also include regular first-class travel back to Europe and luxury accommodation during his stay.

But Bale is sure to find Nanjing, where Jiangsu Suning is located, a different prospect than Madrid. 

Sportsmail reported this week that clubs in China have shown a willingness to, at the very least, match his current wage – and would also offer Bale an unprecedented bonus payment structure to ensure he earns more than he does at the Bernabeu.

The move would also inevitably include a lucrative image rights agreement given Bale’s high profile status – all of which will push his money close to the £1million-per-week figure.

Bale has privately shown a willingness to uproot to China – even though the move would raise questions about his desire to play top-level football for the remainder of his career.

And barring a last minute hitch, or any rival attempts to hijack Jiangsu’s bid, the Wales international will ply his trade in the Far East next season.

Zidane is very keen to offload the 30-year-old this summer, telling him he is not in his plans