Bayern Munich seeks value deals, but they are not in desperate need of them. As the 33-time champions of Germany, with 11 consecutive titles, they require the most exceptional player out there. Bayern can rest assured that they have found him in Harry Kane.
That's why they are prepared to shatter the Bundesliga transfer record to bring the England captain to Bavaria. Despite approaching 30, the belief is that Kane can provide an immediate impact and aid Bayern in their relentless pursuit of Champions League glory.
Despite Bayern's impressive goal-scoring record of 92 goals and their status as top scorers in the Bundesliga last season, it is still necessary to have a striker. The attempt to alter the attacking strategy following Robert Lewandowski's departure did not yield complete success. In a conversation with Lothar Matthaus last summer, it was mentioned that Bayern Munich has been utilizing the 4-2-3-1 system for the past decade or so. This system has always featured a No 9, whether it was Lewandowski or Miroslav Klose before him. Julian Nagelsmann aimed to change this approach.
Others rose to the occasion as well. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, aged 34, experienced his most successful scoring season in his extensive career. However, his achievement of finishing as Bayern's joint-top scorer with 17 goals only highlighted the discrepancy. It is worth noting that Lewandowski had consistently exceeded the 40-goal mark in the past seven seasons.
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Nagelsmann struggled and ultimately lost his job in March, resulting in a decline in fluency. Thomas Tuchel, who took over, immediately reverted to a 4-2-3-1 formation and secured a convincing victory against Borussia Dortmund. However, their journey to the title revealed persisting weaknesses.
Despite the abundance of talent at Bayern, there is no striker as reliable as Kane. In 2021, there were rumors linking Tuchel's Chelsea with a potential move for Kane, but it proved to be exceptionally challenging. Nevertheless, Tuchel expressed his interest in the striker and praised him wholeheartedly.
Tuchel stated, "If there's any coach worldwide who wouldn't want Harry Kane in their team, contact me again. I'd love the opportunity to converse with him and learn about his scoring and attacking strategies. Naturally, everyone admires Kane."
Despite a Premier League season that surpassed expectations thanks to Erling Haaland, Kane ended up just six goals behind a player competing in a significantly stronger team. His tally of 30 goals equaled his previous best season in the league. While it may be a familiar narrative, Kane continues to display brilliance.
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Furthermore, an evident statistical disparity between Haaland and Kane is Kane's notable contribution as a dynamic playmaker. Tuchel has commended his impressive aptitude for finding gaps in the opposition's defense and initiating swift counterattacks for Tottenham.
Kane's prowess in the Premier League last season soared, as he claimed a prominent spot among the elite top 10 players. His ability to craft opportunities from open play, forge clear-cut chances, deliver precise through-balls, execute flick-ons, and facilitate impactful layoffs showcased his remarkable skills. The undeniable proof of his exceptional provision along with his goal-scoring ability lies in his celebrated partnership with the talented Heung-Min Son.
Bayern has an abundance of talented runners, including Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane, and Kingsley Coman. All of them would greatly benefit from having an attacking pivot who can orchestrate attacks and deliver precise passes that penetrate through opposing defenses.
Kane possesses a wide range of skills that would be valuable for Tuchel, allowing him to enhance Bayern's counter-attacking game while also utilizing his skills inside the penalty box when the team is dominating. As evidence of his prowess, Kane recently set a new record for the most goals scored with headers in a single Premier League season.
Kane has the chance to enhance his own performance by harnessing the quality that surrounds him. It goes beyond mere statistics; it encompasses reputation. Although the landscape of football has evolved since the time when Kevin Keegan, the former England captain, made his move to the Bundesliga in 1977, he still serves as a shining exemplar.
Keegan had already won the European Cup with Liverpool, but it was during his time at Hamburg that he achieved the impressive feat of winning two consecutive Ballons d'Or. Playing internationally definitely contributes to one's success. Interestingly, it has been three decades since a recipient of this prestigious award has spent their entire career solely in one European league.
Even though it's hard to imagine Kane's reputation in England reaching any greater heights, his somewhat modest tally of 21 goals in the Champions League places him below his peers such as Alvaro Morata, Edin Dzeko, and Olivier Giroud. In contrast, Haaland, who is seven years younger, has already scored an impressive 35 goals in the same competition.
Bayern are hoping that Kane will be motivated by the chance to move from a team ranked seventh in the Premier League title race to one considered second favorites for the Champions League. If he were to win it, it would undoubtedly change the trajectory of his career.
Kane's unwavering professionalism has always been highly praised, and his single-minded focus suggests that he could have a long and successful career. Additionally, his exceptional abilities make him a potentially valuable asset for Bayern, even after several years of playing for the club. This is just one of the many factors that are involved in this decision.
Regardless, Kane, who is highly tempted by Alan Shearer's Premier League scoring record, now faces a crucial decision with full control over the situation.
However, amidst all the complexities, two undeniable facts persist.
Kane could help Bayern. And Bayern could help Kane.