Could Gareth Bale be set for a triumphant Tottenham Hotspur return. Picture: GettyCould Gareth Bale be set for a triumphant Tottenham Hotspur return. Picture: Getty
Could Gareth Bale be set for a triumphant Tottenham Hotspur return. Picture: Getty

Gareth Bale to Tottenham Hotspur: 12 of English football's most popular returns including Newcastle United's £35m ace

How English football stars have fared on returning to former clubs

Tottenham Hotspur are keen on bringing Gareth Bale back to the Premier League in a huge move, seven season after he departed for Real Madrid. He netted more than 100 goals for the Spanish giants in 251 matches, winning a raft of trophies including two La Ligas and four Champions League titles.

The old adage is that you never go back, that it wouldn’t be the same. In recent English football history that has been the case in some circumstances but there have been incidents of success, even if it is short-lived.

We have taken a look at some of the hits and misses of players returning to a former club. Click and scroll to find out how certain stars got on.