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.
9. Andy Carroll - Newcastle United
Thirty three goals in 91 appearances for his boyhood club prompted Liverpool to spend £35m on the target man. However, injuries have hampered his career, from Newcastle to Liverpool to West Ham and back to St James’s Park where he hasn’t yet opened his account since returning. Photo: Jamie McDonald
10. Juninho - Middlesbrough
A bona fide club legend. He wowed crowds in the 90s after a surprise arrival from Sao Paulo. He showed how much he cared when he shed tears on the club’s relegation. He returned to the club a World Cup winner and helped Boro to League Cup success. Photo: Shaun Botterill
11. Thierry Henry - Arsenal
One of the most memorable moments in the Emirates Stadium's short history is Thierry Henry’s goal against Leeds United in the FA Cup on his return to the club on loan from New York Red Bulls. It proved to be the winner and was one of two he netted in a four-month stint. His first period as an Arsenal period saw him become a Gunners great. Photo: Justin Setterfield
12. Joey Barton - Burnley
Coming back to England from Marseille, Burnley proved an ideal fit as he became an integral part of the side which won the English Championship under Sean Dyche. He decamped to Rangers for a short spell before returning but it was short-lived after getting banned for betting offences. Photo: Ian MacNicol