Barcelona have reached out to England captain Harry Kane's representatives to discuss a shock move from Bayern Munich after the World Cup. Kane's immediate focus is on England's World Cup campaign, with Thomas Tuchel's side preparing to face DR Congo in the last-32 on Wednesday evening.
England produced three mixed performances in the group stage, beating Croatia and Panama either side of a goalless draw with Ghana. Kane at least appears in decent form, scoring a brace against Croatia and then becoming England's record goalscorer in World Cups in the win over Panama, surpassing former striker Gary Lineker.
Kane's Future Beyond the World Cup
While Kane is focussed on the World Cup – with England bidding to end 60 years of hurt out in the United States – he also has one eye on his future as he enters the final year of his contract at Bayern Munich. Kane has thrived in the Bundesliga since his emotional move from Tottenham in 2023, winning back-to-back league titles and scoring a staggering 146 goals in 147 appearances.
The 32-year-old has been one of the most prolific strikers in Europe for the best part of a decade and attracted interest from Barcelona as they search for Robert Lewandowski's replacement. Nou Camp bosses have made Julian Alvarez their top target to replace the Poland legend, who has left after four successful seasons, but Atletico Madrid are playing hardball and are demanding an eye-watering fee.
Barcelona's Approach Quickly Shut Down
As a result, Barcelona are looking at other options and made contact with Kane's representatives to discuss a stunning move from Bayern Munich. But the Daily Mail say the player's camp quickly shut down the conversation after receiving a phone call from the Spanish champions as, firstly, their focus is on the World Cup and secondly, Kane intends to stay at Bayern. It is claimed Kane is 'extremely happy' at the Allianz Arena and will begin talks over a contract extension after the World Cup, with Bayern also hoping for the relationship to continue.
Potential Premier League Return
If Kane does end up leaving Bayern Munich, a Premier League return would be tempting given he is behind only Alan Shearer as the division's record goal scorer. Kane was heavily linked with Manchester United before moving to Germany and Old Trafford legend Jaap Stam insists he was exactly the 'type of player we needed'.
'I think Harry Kane needs to win a major trophy as an individual,' Stam told ComeOn. 'I've seen him play so many times now, especially lately, over the last couple of years, even at Bayern. It's a great team, and there's a lot of pressure there. If you watch him play, you see how effective he is, not only scoring goals but also dropping deeper, linking up the play, and his high work rate. I think he is a great, great professional.'
'Considering his character and great personality, he really needs to win a trophy. It would be fantastic for him to win the treble with Bayern and then go into the World Cup and also win. To me, he looks like the type of guy you want to see win a trophy because of his attitude and how he conducts himself within the team. Yes, for him, it would be very nice.'
'He was linked to Manchester United once, and we keep thinking about that, but we don't want to dwell on it anymore. However, he is the type of player we needed to score goals because, in every aspect, a striker needs to play like that.'
England's World Cup Path
If England beat DR Congo, they will face Ecuador or World Cup co-hosts Mexico for a place in the quarter-finals.
