Bayern Munich have signed forward, Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur in a transfer deal worth up to £103.8m.
Tottenham’s decision to sell Kane to Bayern brings his 19-year spell at Tottenham to an end, having graduated through their academy to eventually become their all-time top goalscorer with 280 goals in 435 appearances.
Kane though refused to sign a new contract with his current contract expiring at the end of June 2024, which forced Spurs to sell now to a foreign club in fear of losing him to a Premier League rival on a free transfer next summer.
Club Chairman, Daniel Levy subsequently held extensive dicussions with Bayern, who have paid a fixed fee of £86.5m followed by various add-ons up to £17.3m, taking the total transfer fee potentially up to £103.8m if every add-on clause is met.
Kane has signed a four-year contract at Bayern until June 2027 and will wear the number 9 shirt, whilst he leaves the Premier League as the second-highest goalscorer in the competition’s history with 213 goals in 320 appearances – during which he made 46 assists and claimed three Golden Boot awards.
Kane’s departure meant that Alan Shearer will remain as the Premier League’s top goalscorer with 260 goals, but the ex Newcastle player graciously wished Kane well in a tweet.
You’re the best Harry. Good luck. You deserve success 🙏🏻 https://t.co/5ZTTI6dsF7
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) August 12, 2023
The 30 year-old has also left Spurs as their all-time top goalscorer with 280 goals in 435 appearances across all competitions, including their all-time top goalscorer in European competitions with 45 goals.
Prior to official confirmation of his move, Kane took to Twitter to share a farewell video message to Spurs fans.
Hard to put into words how to say goodbye to a club and fans who have done so much for me in my career. You will always be in my heart. Thank you Tottenham, thank you Tottenham fans. 💙 pic.twitter.com/L662cyax7p
— Harry Kane (@HKane) August 12, 2023
“Bayern is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I’ve always said that I want to compete and prove myself at the highest level during my career. This club is defined by its winning mentality,” commented Kane upon his desire to win trophies at Bayern.
Bayern President, Herbert Hainer added that the club are “very happy” to add a “top-quality” striker who he believes will “be a real asset to the entire Bundesliga.”
Bayern CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen meanwhile iterated that Kane was their “absolute dream player” from the start of this transfer window.
Dreesens also explained why the club pursued Kane as he added: “He is a perfect fit for us and the club’s DNA in terms of both football and character.
“World-class centre forwards have always been an important factor when FC Bayern has celebrated its greatest triumphs, and we’re convinced that Harry Kane will continue this success story. Our fans can look forward to one of the best goalscorers of our time.”
Levy meanwhile issued the following statement on behalf of Tottenham: “We sought over a long period of time to engage Harry and his representatives in several forms of contract extension, both short and long term.
“Harry was clear, however, that he wanted a fresh challenge and would not be signing a new contract this summer. We have reluctantly, therefore, agreed to his transfer.
“We have seen a product of our Academy system become one of the best players to ever pull on a Spurs shirt and become one of world football’s elite strikers. It has been a truly remarkable journey.
“Harry’s achievements and records say everything about the player, and throughout his 19 years at the Club, Harry has been a model professional, on and off the pitch and an inspiration for young players who dream of following in his footsteps.
“I should like to thank Harry for everything he’s done for us, all the memories, all the records – we wish him and his family all the best for the future. It goes without saying, he’s always welcome back. He’s a much loved and valued member of the Spurs family, forever in our history.”
Kane represents England in international football and is the Three Lions’ top goalscorer with 58 goals in 84 senior caps.
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