When Bale rejoined Tottenham on loan from Real Madrid in September, the emotional homecoming was hailed as a perfect fit for the player and the club where he rose to global stardom.
But just five months later, Bale has flopped so badly, amid a rift with Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho, that it is almost impossible to imagine the Wales captain's spell in north London being extended beyond this season.
The 31-year-old looks a disinterested figure in his increasingly rare appearances for Mourinho's side.
The dazzling form that persuaded Real to pay a then world record £85 million ($118 million) to sign him from Tottenham in 2013 is now a distant memory.
Although Bale's move to Madrid went sour some while ago, there was a perception he was the victim of a personality clash with Real manager Zinedine Zidane rather than a player past his best.