Gareth Bale quit football at age of 33 AL-RAYYAN, QATAR - ARCHIVE: A file photo dated November 21, 2022 shows Gareth Bale 11 of Wales reacts during FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball Qatar 2022 Group B match between USA and Wales at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan, Qatar on November 21, 2022. Gareth Bale, who plays in Los Angeles, one of the American First Division MLS, Fussball Herren, USA teams, ended his active football life at the age of 33. Ar Rayyan Qatar. Editorial use only. Please get in touch for any other usage. PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxTURxUSAxCANxUKxJPNxITAxFRAxAUSxESPxBELxKORxRSAxHKGxNZL Copyright: x2025xAnadoluxMustafaxYalcÄnx
St Mirren manager Craig McLeish has confirmed talks with former Rangers defender Leon King, though other squad priorities must be addressed before any deal is completed.
King, 22, departed Ibrox at the end of last month when his contract expired, following an impressive loan spell at Ayr United during the previous season.
McLeish was straightforward about where King stands in the club’s recruitment plans, describing the position as one that is not currently the top concern.
“Leon is one of a number of players we have spoken to,” McLeish said, adding that the defender has been made fully aware of the situation.
“That position isn’t a priority for us. Leon knows that, I have spoken to him about that,” the St Mirren boss confirmed.
Budget constraints are shaping the club’s transfer approach, with McLeish clear that available funds must be directed toward the most pressing gaps first.
“Because of our budget constraints we need to work on our priorities first and see where we are as the squad shapes up,” he explained.
The departure of Miguel Freckleton to Austrian champions LASK for a significant six-figure fee has created an urgent need on the left side of defence.
McLeish noted that goalkeeper Jacob Chapman was the first signing addressed, with attacking reinforcements and the left-sided defensive role now the club’s immediate focus.
Freckleton had joined St Mirren from Sheffield United last season, and McLeish made clear that the club could not stand in the defender’s way when the Austrian offer arrived.
“When it is the Austrian champions, they have the Champions League and guaranteed European group stage football. It is a life-changing opportunity for Miguel. You can’t deny him,” McLeish said.
The manager also revealed that Freckleton’s sale reflects a broader player-trading model that St Mirren are deliberately building their strategy around.
“We are a development club. We have to be getting the most out of these players when we have them and try and move them on to the highest level, while also trying to bring money in for them as well,” McLeish explained.
He acknowledged that Freckleton moved on sooner than expected, having hoped the club might retain him for closer to two seasons before a sale materialised.
“What you don’t want is the boys coming up for two or three seasons, running their contracts down and you don’t get a return from them. It is finding the balance of when to strike and sell,” the manager added.
McLeish is already looking ahead to replicating the model, saying the club now needs to identify who can come in and follow a similar development pathway.
St Mirren are currently based at a training camp in Pinatar, where they faced Hearts in a midweek bounce game, losing 3-1 but giving valuable minutes to new signings including Ryan Carr, Chris Mochrie, Jacob Chapman, and Samuel Ramos.
The Buddies will round off their pre-season preparations at the weekend with another friendly, this time against Murcia, as McLeish looks to build fitness and tactical cohesion ahead of the new campaign.
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