HARRY KANE BREAKS SILENCE ON BARCELONA TALK REVEALING HE’LL DECIDE SOON

Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski will decide his future "soon" as his contract expires. With the club eyeing Harry Kane as his replacement, will the veteran striker stay or seek a new challenge? Get the latest transfer news.

Harry Kane breaks silence on Barcelona talk revealing he’ll decide soon
Kane says he’ll announce decision soon - COURTESY/PHOTO

Despite rumours that Harry Kane is being considered to succeed him, Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski stated that he will decide on his future "soon." Barca is preparing for life without the 37-year-old Lewandowski as his contract with the team expires at the conclusion of this season.

Kane should only have a year left on his Bayern Munich contract by June, at which point a £57 million release clause will be activated. Barcelona is expected to make a move, although Tottenham, the former team, has first refusal.

The La Liga champions consider 32-year-old Kane to be the perfect replacement for Lewandowski, whom the England captain essentially replaced at Bayern this week. However, it is not ruled out that Barcelona might offer Lewandowski a new contract because Kane has stated publicly that he is willing to extend his contract with the German powerhouses.

The striker, who scored a hat-trick in Barcelona's most recent game against Celta Vigo, has not made up his mind, which has added to the uncertainty. Before helping to set up the first goal in Poland's 1-1 draw with the Netherlands on Friday, Lewandowski told TVP Sport, "I will soon be ready to determine which road I want to take and I will see what my alternatives are."

"I am at ease. In a few months, I have no idea where I will be or what I want to do. I am not in a rush, and I do not have to accomplish anything."

Lewandowski is happy at Barca, and he and his family are established in Spain, despite the veteran acknowledging that he is "nearing the end" of his career. "Knowing that there are so many young boys over 18 at Barcelona definitely encourages me," he continued.

"They provide me with a significant energy boost. I am really at ease with them. I recall what I did at their age when I was a teenager. Some of my teammates' parents are younger than myself. They are like fathers to me. It is humorous but really uplifting.

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"I had a really fantastic season last year. I won multiple trophies and scored a lot of goals, which attests to my excellent skill.

"Even though I am nearing the conclusion of my football career, I want to make the most of it both emotionally and athletically. I want to make the most of this moment and savour it."

MATTHAUS WARNS KOMPANY: DO NOT CHANGE ATTACKING STYLE DESPITE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EXIT

Bayern have secured the Bundesliga! Read why Matthaus wants more "spectacular football" despite the 6-5 aggregate loss to PSG.

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Matthaus Demands Loyalty To Kompany’s Aggressive Tactical Vision - Photo Credit: IMAGO/Markus Ulmer

Lothar Matthaus has called on Vincent Kompany to continue with his attacking style, despite Bayern Munich's exit from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. The German legend feels Bayern’s entertaining approach shouldn’t be altered even though their defence showed vulnerabilities during the 6-5 aggregate loss in the semi-finals.

After conceding six goals over two legs, Bayern’s Champions League run came to an end. While the defeat exposed defensive issues, it also highlighted the offensive strategy Kompany has brought to the team. These defensive struggles aren’t limited to Europe either; high-scoring Bundesliga matches, like the 4-3 win over Mainz and the 3-3 draw with Heidenheim, have revealed a back line that’s still trying to find the right balance between taking risks and maintaining solidity.

Matthaus, who once captained Bayern, stresses that the club should stick with Kompany’s attacking mindset, even if it leaves them open at the back. He pointed out, “With such an attacking style of play, you can't defend everything, of course. Yes, they've conceded quite a few goals, but they’re still having a successful season and are close to winning the double. They’ve even made it to the Champions League semi-finals.”

The return of excitement at the Allianz Arena was clear, especially during the second leg when Ousmane Dembele’s early goal stunned the crowd. Although Harry Kane’s late equaliser wasn’t enough to turn the tie around, Matthaus sees positives in the bigger picture. He believes Bayern has brought back the thrill and flair fans expect.

“While Bayern didn’t play their best in the semi-final second leg against PSG, they have entertained throughout the year. I look forward to their matches because they’re usually packed with goals. Bayern stands for spectacular football, and this season has been no different. I wouldn’t move away from that style,” Matthaus shared.

With the focus shifting back to domestic competitions, Bayern have already secured the Bundesliga championship. They still have two league games left against Wolfsburg and Koln before preparing for the DFB-Pokal final against Stuttgart on May 23.

BAYERN MUNICH RULE OUT MARCUS RASHFORD MOVE REGARDLESS OF ANTHONY GORDON OUTCOME

Marcus Rashford is not a target for Bayern Munich this summer, as the club focuses entirely on signing Gordon from Newcastle.

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Bayern Munich excluded Marcus Rashford from their summer plans - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Bayern Munich aren’t considering a move for Marcus Rashford this summer, no matter what happens with Anthony Gordon. That’s according to a German reporter who’s close to the story.

Right now, Rashford is wrapping up his loan at Barcelona. He’s set to return to Manchester United at the end of the season. Barcelona have an option to make the deal permanent for €30 million (£26 million) in the summer. Both Rashford and Barcelona want him to stay, but here’s the catch: the club doesn’t want to pay the full €30 million.

Barcelona would rather keep Rashford on loan for another year or get him for a lower fee. Manchester United’s not having it. They want the full price, so Barcelona are starting to look at other players.

Rashford hasn’t made a secret of where he wants to be. Earlier in the season, he told Sport, one of the local Barcelona papers, about how much he wants to stay, saying, “Of course, what I want is to stay at Barca. It’s the ultimate goal.” He talked about the pressure and expectations at the club, saying they keep him motivated and that he feels like he’s in the perfect environment to grow and win trophies. For now, though, it’s all up in the air until next summer.

Last year, Bayern Munich actually showed some interest in Rashford before he went to Barcelona. But now, they’re focused on signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for the left wing. The problem is, Gordon’s interested, but Newcastle’s price is ridiculous, reportedly around £80 million (€92.6 million). That’s much higher than what Bayern’s willing to pay. They’re thinking closer to £60 million (€69.4 million), and maybe with add-ons or an instalment plan. If Newcastle won’t budge, it probably isn’t happening.

Christian Falk, a trusted journalist from Bild, says Bayern aren’t considering Rashford as a backup if they can’t land Gordon. Bayern’s got a short list of players for the left wing, and Rashford isn’t on it. Gordon’s their main focus, but even if that deal falls through, Rashford’s not the next in line.

So at this stage, Bayern and Rashford won’t be coming together this summer, even if Gordon stays at Newcastle. That’s just not in the plans.

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