In a fairly unsurprising turn of events, it has now emerged that Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane has asked to leave the club at the end of the season. This is the kind of news that has always been coming but still takes you by shock. Furthermore, it compounds the problems of chairman Daniel Levy who is already having to look for a new manager after the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
Harry Kane has told #thfc he wants to leave this summer. Ideally would have it sorted before Euros with #mufc #mcfc & #cfc among those to get in contact. Contract until 2024 so Spurs in strong position. More detail on @SkySportsNews
— Paul Gilmour (@skysportspaulg) May 17, 2021
Kane has been exceptional ever since he burst onto the Premier League stage in the 2014-15 season. He currently ranks 7th in the list of all-time top scorers in the top flight and has been the one constant shining light for Spurs season after season. Though, he has not been shy to voice his displeasure at failing to win trophies. Indeed, Spurs have reached three finals with him (two in the EFL Cup and the Champions League in 2018) and have lost all of them.
LIMITED OPTIONS
It is expected that Kane will most likely remain in England, with both Manchester clubs seemingly very interested in his services. Pep Guardiola’s side in fact will be looking at new attacking options after longtime forward Sergio Aguero’s impending departure in the summer and Kane seems like the most obvious choice for the job.
Proper performance. Good win. Two left to finish strong. pic.twitter.com/lR1oLEbiRm
— Harry Kane (@HKane) May 16, 2021
The Red Devils, meanwhile, have just extended the stay of Edinson Cavani for another year. The 34-year-old has been in good goal-scoring touch but is hardly comparable with the two-time Golden Boot winner. Buying Kane will certainly be a sign of deep intent by the Glazers who have been dealing with fan anger at their ownership for years. Even Chelsea have emerged as a possible destination but with their huge outlay last summer, it seems unlikely for Abramovich to spend heavily again.
Wrote last week Kane wants to leave Tottenham. He made up his mind over a month ago. #mufc are long-time admirers but Cavani extension and Tottenham’s stubbornness (never mind United’s reluctance to deal with Levy) puts potential competitor at an advantagehttps://t.co/4DniSTcof4
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) May 17, 2021
Foreign destinations are limited for the 27-year-old with Real Madrid and PSG the obvious favourites. Both look unlikely unless they themselves conduct a deal first. The French club have just extended Neymar’s stay at the club and have one of the world’s best in Kylian Mbappe as well. Madrid have been linked with Kane and Mbappe in the past, with the French forward having caught the eye of President Florentino Perez. It remains to be seen what transpires in between them before deciding on Kane.
MONEY THE ISSUE
Kane’s current contract runs till 2023 and his valuation in the market is easily over $150 million. That will possess a considerable challenge for any club that wishes to sign him, especially in this pandemic market. Except for a few clubs, consider the options to be very limited.
If someone wants to sign him though the fact remains that it would cost huge money to prise him away. He has plenty of contract time left and there isn't one player to replace what he does for Spurs. They would need a number of new signings. Will someone make such a huge bid?
— Alasdair Gold (@AlasdairGold) May 17, 2021
It might even turn out that he has to remain at Spurs despite his wish. Levy is a canny operator and will not sell him for cheap while the finances of all the big clubs have taken a hit. No matter where he goes next or even if he stays, this saga is far from over.