I cannot see Bale returning to us, first option deal or not. Maybe we could write off the remainder of the Madrid debt on Bale, perhaps we could pay his wages due to TV deal. However Bale coming back could potentially upset the well harvested squad harmony. Pochettino has expelled 'big' personalities out of the squad, I see Bale coming back with a big time Charlie reputation, which is not what we're about. Would he be happy to follow the instructions of Pochettino and give his all for the team philosophy?
I never thought of Bale as a 'big time Charlie ' type of player and I think he would give his all for the team philosophy but whether Poch would want him or Levy sanction his wages are other matters