Manchester United have been linked with Harry Kane in the past, and the striker still has unfinished business in the Premier League.
Harry Kane’s decision to leave Tottenham in 2023 was a ‘fork in the road’ for three clubs.
Tottenham have been on a downward spiral ever since, while Bayern Munich have benefitted from his prolific goalscoring record. He has netted a staggering 134 goals in 137 matches.
Manchester United were the third club impacted. Kane was viewed by many as the ideal transfer target, but the Red Devils chose not to fight for him and signed Rasmus Hojlund instead. The Dane has since been loaned out to Napoli, ahead of an exit.
Kane had to make a sacrifice too. His exit came with Kane’s Premier League goal tally reaching 213, just 43 short of Alan Shearer’s record of 260.
Kane, 32, has made no secret that he wants to return to the Premier League and break the record while he still can.
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Tottenham advantage could be lost
Tottenham have always held an advantage when it comes to Harry Kane’s future return to the Premier League.
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Spurs have a first refusal agreement allowing them to negotiate first to re-sign Kane, if he decided to leave Bayern, Sky Sports reported.
Now with Tottenham facing the possible prospect of relegation, the big incentive for Kane to return has been lost.
While there would still be an attraction to helping his former club, Kane is unlikely to want to swap the Champions League for the Championship.
Tottenham would be unable to offer him the chance to break the Premier League record he covets.
Will Harry Kane come back this summer?
Harry Kane is happy at Bayern Munich, where his signing has helped to refresh their attack. He is playing a key role in their success alongside Luis Diaz and Michael Olise.
The problem for Bayern is that Kane’s contract expires in June 2027. This summer they will either need to secure a renewal, or cash in.
A contract extension is viewed as most likely. But then Kane would be limiting his time to break the Premier League scoring record if he still returned at a later date.
Kane likely requires two seasons to score the 44 goals he needs to break Shearer’s record. If he returns when he is 35 or 36, rather than this summer, it could take him even longer.
An interesting point to consider is related to whether Bayern can win the Champions League in 2026/27. They are currently on course for a semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
If Kane and Bayern could win the Champions League, could that prompt Kane to leave and seek a new challenge?
Manchester United might be interested enough to ask the question.
If Harry Kane wanted to return to the Premier League this summer, would you sign him for Manchester United?
How Manchester United could deal with the situation
Manchester United are long term admirers of Harry Kane, and were heavily criticised for failing to take the opportunity to sign him in 2023.
Can the club afford to pass on signing Harry Kane for a final time?
If and when Kane does seek to return to English football, United will face the dilemma of having to either sign the striker – or see him join a competitor.
Kane is still a prolific goalscorer in his early 30s, and while United are delighted with Benjamin Sesko’s progress, the Slovenian’s presence might not stop the club making a move.
It could echo how Anthony Martial’s debut season was stunted by Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s arrival as a free agent in 2016.
While Zlatan’s signing brought two trophies, the Martial aspect could have been handled more deftly.
This would be a dilemma for United to solve, but a positive one. Kane could actually help Sesko, and unlike Martial, he won’t be shunted out to play on the wing.
Competition for places is positive, and when you can sign one of the world’s elite strikers, generally you do it. Especially when they have a point to prove.
Whether it is in 2026, 2027, or 2028, the Harry Kane question is one Manchester United may need to make a decision on.