Tottenham’s record goalscorer Harry Kane has landed in Germany to complete his move to Bayern Munich in a deal that could rise to £120m.
Spurs manager Ange Postekoglou confirmed on Friday afternoon that Kane’s promotion to the Bundesliga champions was “imminent” after a breakthrough was reached in talks between the clubs on Wednesday night.
That left the ball in Kane’s court and on Thursday he decided to leave his childhood club for Bayern Munich, who will pay an initial £100m, with additional payments that could push the deal’s total to £120m, the outlet understands. PA agency. .
Friday morning reports initially suggested that the Spurs refused to give Kane permission to travel to Germany, but Tottenham crushed them and he flew to Munich hours later on a private jet from London Stansted Airport.
Kane landed in his new hometown on Friday night for medical treatment ahead of his big move.
Postecoglou, speaking ahead of the Spurs’ trip to Brentford on Sunday, said: “Honestly, I don’t have a detailed account, but I understand that it’s gotten to the point where it looks like it’s going to happen.
“From that perspective, at least it gives us some clarity and we are moving forward without Harry.
“From my point of view, it’s just an understanding of where we are and the information that I have at the moment is that a deal is imminent, but, as with all these things, you leave yourself some leeway.
“But moving forward and training today, preparing for Brentford, we are doing this without Harry.
“Better Harry speaks for himself in terms of decision, but without a doubt he is one of the greatest players in this football club and that will never change.
“I’m new to this building, but it’s clear that Harry Kane will always be one of the greatest players in this football club.”
Kane is facing a time trial to officially sign early enough to take part in Bayern’s DFL Supercup tie against RB Leipzig on Saturday night.
However, given that the clash is taking place at Bayern’s home at the Allianz Arena, England captain Kane could very well be introduced to the fans before kick-off, even if the paperwork isn’t completed on time.
This is not the first summer that Kane’s future has dominated the headlines since Manchester City’s failed bid in 2021.
Kane missed the first match of that season – coincidentally against City – but Josep Guardiola’s team never came close to agreeing a fee for the striker with Tottenham.
Now that Kane is ending the last 12 months of his contract with the Spurs, speculation about his future has always seemed more significant this time around.
In June and July, Bayern reportedly turned down bids but were clear about their intentions, with honorary president Uli Hoeneß and president Herbert Hainer speaking openly in the media about Kane’s desire to join the Bundesliga champions.
The third offer was filed last Friday and the Spurs spent the entire weekend deliberating before chairman Daniel Levy rejected the offer on Monday.
With rumors that Kane, who scored four goals in a friendly win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Sunday, was enjoying working with Postecoglou, confidence began to grow that he could spend the season with his childhood team.
But Bayern’s latest bid proved enough to reach an agreement, and after taking the time to weigh the decision, Kane decided it was time to end his 19-year spell at Spurs.
That means Kane’s quest to score Alan Shearer’s Premier League goalscoring record will be put on hold as the Tottenham striker is still 47 goals behind, equaling Shearer’s tally of 260 goals.
He will leave the N17 as the club’s top scorer after surpassing Jimmy Greaves’ record of 266 goals in February’s win against Manchester City.
Kane will also get a chance to fulfill his longtime trophy-winning ambition at Bayern while remaining in the Champions League.
Thomas Tuchel on the possible signing of a contract with Harry Kane: “We are working hard on it, I can confirm this. At the moment, no agreement has been reached, and when an agreement has not been reached, the coach will not comment on this, because this is not his player. pic.twitter.com/GWhhTbwiGX
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) August 11, 2023
Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel has been a longtime fan of Kane but was unassuming when asked about the striker ahead of Saturday’s match against Liepzig.
Tuchel said at a press conference: “We are working on this deal with full pressure.
“I understand there are a lot of ifs and whens. All options are open. First, that he be a player, and at the moment he is not yet.
“It’s a big deal. We’re trying to get the England captain out of the Premier League.”