Bayern Munich is in search of bargains, however, they are also aware that they require the best player. They have set their sights on Harry Kane and are willing to break the transfer record in the Bundesliga to bring the England captain to Bavaria. Despite Kane approaching 30 years old, Bayern has high hopes that he will have an immediate impact and assist them in achieving their ultimate goal of winning the coveted Champions League.
Bayern Munich, despite being the highest scorers in the Bundesliga last season with 92 goals, still acknowledge the need for a striker. However, their attempt to shift the focus of their attack after Robert Lewandowski's departure did not yield the desired results. In a conversation with Lothar Matthaus, Julian Nagelsmann aimed to alter Bayern's long-standing system of playing with a 4-2-3-1 formation, which heavily relied on a prominent No. 9 like Lewandowski or Miroslav Klose.
Other players rose to the occasion. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, aged 34, had the most successful scoring season of his extensive career. However, the fact that he ended up as Bayern's co-leading scorer with 17 goals highlighted the contrast. In the past seven seasons, Lewandowski had consistently surpassed the 40-goal mark.
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Nagelsmann's tinkering cost him both fluency and his job in March. In his debut game, Thomas Tuchel swiftly reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation and achieved a resounding victory against Borussia Dortmund. However, their struggle to secure the title exposed ongoing deficiencies.
Despite the abundance of talent in the Bayern squad, they lack a dependable finisher like Kane. Tuchel's Chelsea had been loosely associated with a potential transfer for the striker in 2021, but the intricacies proved insurmountable. Nevertheless, Tuchel openly expressed his admiration and spoke ardently about his interest in Kane.
Tuchel expressed, "If there is any coach worldwide who doesn't wish to have Harry Kane on their team, contact me again. I am enthusiastic to have a conversation with him and learn about his perspectives on scoring and attacking. It is evident that everyone admires Kane."
Despite Erling Haaland surpassing predictions in a Premier League season, Kane fell just six goals short of a player competing in a significantly stronger team. His tally of 30 goals equaled his personal best in the competition. While it may not be surprising anymore, Kane continues to showcase his exceptional abilities.
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The most notable statistical contrast between Haaland and Kane lies in Kane's capability to be a dynamic force in possession as well. Tuchel has commended his skill to adeptly maneuver into open spaces and assist in initiating rapid counterattacks for Tottenham.
Kane proved himself as one of the Premier League's finest players in the previous season, achieving a remarkable position in the top 10 for various offensive aspects such as creating chances from open play, producing clear-cut opportunities, executing through-balls, providing flick-ons, and delivering exceptional layoffs. The undeniable success of his partnership with Heung-Min Son serves as undeniable evidence that Kane not only scores goals but also contributes significantly to his team's overall play.
Numerous runners eagerly await him at Bayern, including Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane, and Kingsley Coman. Each of them has the potential to thrive with an attacking focal point who can seamlessly construct attacks and execute those game-changing passes.
Kane's diverse skill set gives Tuchel the opportunity to harness his abilities in both facilitating counter-attacks and capitalizing on his prowess in the penalty box when Bayern is in control. Remarkably, he recently shattered the record for most headed goals in a single Premier League season.
Kane has the chance to enhance his performance by taking inspiration from the excellence that surrounds him. It goes beyond mere statistics; it is about acquiring prestige. Although the landscape of football has evolved since Kevin Keegan, the former England captain, transferred to the Bundesliga in 1977, he remains a constant source of inspiration.
Keegan had already won the European Cup with Liverpool, but it was at Hamburg where he achieved back-to-back Ballon d'Or wins. Playing internationally continues to be advantageous. In the past 30 years, no recipient of this prestigious award has solely played in just one European league throughout their entire career.
Although it is challenging to envision Kane's reputation in England reaching greater heights, he falls behind his peers, including Alvaro Morata, Edin Dzeko, and Olivier Giroud, in terms of Champions League goals with a modest tally of 21. In contrast, Haaland, who is seven years younger, has already netted 35 goals.
Bayern is banking on Kane finding renewed motivation by leaving the team that is considered the seventh favorite to win the Premier League title and instead joining the team that is considered the second favorite to win the Champions League trophy. If he were to win it, it would undoubtedly elevate his career to a whole new level.
Kane has always been praised for his professionalism, and his unwavering determination suggests that he has the potential for a long and successful career. In addition to his exceptional skills on the field, there is also the possibility that Bayern could benefit financially from selling him, even after he has spent several years with the team. This is just one of the many factors that come into play.
Despite the complexities, two undeniable facts persist.
Kane could help Bayern. And Bayern could help Kane.