Bundesliga
Harry Kane signs for Bayern Munich
Reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have added formidable strength to their forward line by landing the world-renowned England star Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur on a four-year deal.
Following a summer of speculation concering the forward's future and a flurry of fan chatter across social media in the build-up to the weekend, it was finally confirmed on Saturday that goal-king Kane had put pen to paper at Bayern. The star striker - who scored 41 goals for club and country last season - teams up with coach Thomas Tuchel and fellow new Bayern arrivals Min-jae Kim, Konrad Laimer and Raphael Guerreiro at the Bavarian giants.
"I'm very happy to be part of FC Bayern now. Bayern is one of the biggest clubs in the world and I've always said that I want to move and prove myself at the highest level in my career. Bayern is characterized by its winning culture - it feels very good to be here," said the 30-year-old, who inherits the No.9 shirt vacated by Robert Lewandowski a year ago.
Watch: Kane's first Bayern interview!
Kane is seen as the ideal replacement for Lewandowski, who left Bayern for Barcelona following a 344-goal spree spanning eight seasons, including a record 41 Bundesliga strikes in 2020/21.
The England No.9 hit an equally impressive 30 English Premier League goals in 2022/23 alone, matching his career-best return of 2017/18. He also overtook Jimmy Greaves as Tottenham's all-time leading scorer in February, ultimately ending his 12-year stint at the London club on 280 goals in 435 competitive games.
Furthermore, the three-time Premier League top scorer surpassed Wayne Rooney as England's record marksman in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy in March, and moves to Bayern on 58 goals in 84 senior international appearances.
"Welcome to Munich, Harry Kane!" said Bayern president Herbert Hainer. "We're very happy about this top-class newcomer. The transfer required tenacity, determination and perseverance - a big compliment to everyone involved at FC Bayern in these negotiations, with our CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen at the helm.
Harry Kane will not only strengthen FC Bayern, but will also be good for the entire Bundesliga.”
Kane could make his competitive debut in Bayern colours when the record champions take on DFB Cup holders RB Leipzig in the German Supercup on 12 August. They begin their Bundesliga title defence away to Werder Bremen six days later.
Serge Gnabry was Bayern's leading Bundesliga scorer in 2022/23 on 14 goals, followed by Jamal Musiala (12) and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (10). Werder Bremen's Niclas Füllkrug and former Leipzig attacker Christopher Nkunku shared the Bundesliga top scorer's prize on 16 goals apiece. Bayern's new man will no doubt be targetting that crown when the defending Bundesliga champions get their top-flight campaign underway next weekend.