Harry Kane on the move? Bayern Munich release clause, Barcelona transfer interest and Premier League goals record leaves England captain with much to consider
Tellingly, Barcelona have been linked with several strikers in recent weeks, including Julian Alvarez, Victor Osimhen, Serhou Guirassy and Etta Eyong – but the common consensus is that Kane is top of the transfer target shortlist.
On the face of it, that’s surprising, given Kane will turn 33 before the start of next season. However, there’s absolutely nothing to suggest that time is catching up with him. Kane has always spoken of his desire to emulate iconic duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by playing into his late-30s and fellow England legend Wayne Rooney has even compared his relentless pursuit of goals to that of the Portuguese. However, whereas Ronaldo finetuned his game as he got older, Kane’s is actually evolving.
“What Harry has produced here in the last year or two is absolutely top-notch,” acknowledged Bayern’s honorary president Uli Hoeness. “And what I like best about him is that, in the beginning, he was a goal-scorer who played in his box, who waited for the balls to come. But, today, he’s long since become a playmaker, as well as a finisher. Above all else, though, he’s a player with a personality who inspires others on the pitch, who sets the direction, and that’s exactly what we were looking for.”
Basically, Bayern wanted a Lewandowski replacement – but they got so much more.
“Robert Lewandowski won the Champions League with Bayern in 2020 and was later named World Player of the Year, but the two aren’t comparable,” Matthaus wrote in his column for Sky Germany. “Kane reinvented the centre-forward game, just as Manuel Neuer did with goalkeepers about a decade and a half ago.
“I don’t see a better striker in the world right now – and not just because of his goals, but because of his versatility and the positions he plays. Kane also demonstrates qualities as a passer, dribbler, and tackler. He is simultaneously a goal-scorer, playmaker, box-to-box player, and tackler.
“I’ve never seen Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe slide in their own penalty area like Kane did in the 88th minute against Dortmund (on October 18). I also don’t see Haaland and Mbappe make passes of 50 metres or more. I haven’t seen the chip shots that Kane can play from the other two.I just think Kane has become even better because he can act as a free spirit.”
