HARRY KANE PLEDGES FUTURE: BAYERN IS MY ONLY DESTINATION
Harry Kane commits to Bayern Munich, open to a contract extension. The striker also calls the Premier League "less fun to watch."
Harry Kane mentioned on Tuesday that he's willing to extend his Bayern Munich contract and isn't looking to jump ship.
The former Tottenham striker's contract with the Bundesliga team runs out in the summer of 2027. Lately, there have been rumours linking him to Barcelona, plus the usual talk about a potential return to the Premier League.
Kane is back in London this week as Bayern faces Arsenal in a big Champions League match. Before the game, the England captain said he’s happy in Munich.
"Moving here was one of the best things I've ever done," said the 32-year-old, who left Spurs for Bayern in 2023.
Getting to play in a new league with a team like Bayern Munich, experiencing these European nights, and feeling the vibe in the German league has been great for my career, and it's helped me get better as a player.
I’m open to staying longer. The way things are going for us, and how we’re playing, I think we’re one of the best teams in Europe, for sure.
I don't see another team and think, 'I want to go there.' I'm really happy here. I have 18 months left on my contract, and I’m sure we’ll talk about it down the road.
Kane also said the Premier League isn't as fun to watch this season because there's too much focus on set pieces, which Arsenal is known for.
Watching the Premier League isn't quite as enjoyable as it used to be, to be honest, he added.
But that's just how football changes. Sometimes it goes this way, and that's what's happening this year. Arsenal has taken advantage of it, and they’re really good at set plays.
We looked at what they do well, what their threats are, and how we can stop them. The best way to stop them is not to give away set plays.
Kane also said that scoring against Arsenal is a bit more joyful than scoring against other clubs.
He has scored 15 goals in 21 games against the Gunners, including one for Bayern at the Emirates in the first leg of their quarter-final in 2024.
Maybe that's just how it is without me realising it. "When I was with Tottenham, it was always a big game," he said.
I have a lot of friends who are Arsenal fans and a lot who are Tottenham fans. There's a certain feeling around it.
With Bayern, it's a little different because we don't play them very often. We played them a few years ago in the quarterfinal, and that was a big win for us.
For me, it might bring a little extra joy, but the main thing is still winning the game.
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.
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.
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.