Gareth Bale has joined MLS club Los Angeles FC after nine trophy-laden seasons at Real Madrid.
The five-time Champions League winner is the latest big name to make the move to the United States and will hope to follow in the footsteps of the likes of David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and David Villa, who all set the league alight.
Bale, 32, will be joining former Juventus centre half Giorgio Chiellini in LA, with the Italian defensive rock also joining on a free transfer.
But when will the Welsh wizard make his first appearance in the USA? Here is everything you need to know.
When will Bale make his MLS debut?
LAFC play their next game away at Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday night, but Bale will be ineligible to feature in this fixture as the deal will not be confirmed until the MLS summer transfer window opens on Thursday, July 7.
As a result, the flying forward is set to make his debut on Friday, July 8 against none other than city rivals LA Galaxy.
Due to an eight-hour time difference, Bale will take the field at 3 a.m. UK time on Saturday, July 9, with the game taking place at his new home, the Banc of California Stadium.
- Rudiger completes his transfer to Real Madrid.
- Every new home, away, and third strip in the 2022–23 Premier League uniforms.
The ex-Los Blancos star could go up against former Real team-mate Javier Hernandez, with the stage perfectly set for Bale to make a dream debut in the crunch clash known as ‘El Trafico’.
&w=707&quality=100)
Who are Los Angeles FC?
Los Angeles FC were founded in 2014 and won their first Western Conference title in 2019.
The club failed to make the play-offs last season, finishing an underwhelming campaign in ninth.
Head coach Steve Cherundolo took charge of LA in January and will be aiming to lead his side to glory this term.
Cherundolo’s men currently lead the Western Conference and are the top scorers in the competition so far.
Their all-time leading goalscorer is former Arsenal man Carlos Vela, who will surely be relishing the prospect of teaming up with Bale to fire the California outfit towards a maiden title this year.
