Tottenham boss Thomas Frank sent a 'welcome here anytime' message to club legend Harry Kane in a recent press conference, but the England star may not be the only player who could seal a move to N17 in 2026.
Thomas Frank wants Harry Kane to make Tottenham return
News of a £54 million release clause in his Bayern Munich contract, which becomes active next year (BILD), has resulted in plenty of speculation about a potential homecoming for Kane.
The 32-year-old left tears in the eyes of all Lilywhites supporters after his £86 million move to Bavaria in 2023, which brought an end to his near-lifelong Spurs stay off the back of an incredible 280 goals in 435 appearances.
Since departing North London, Kane has led Bayern to a league title and German Super Cup, all whilst finishing both of his full campaigns as the Bundesliga's top goalscorer with 36 goals in 23/24 and 26 in 24/25.
He also rounded off 2024's Champions League as the competition's joint-top scorer with Kylian Mbappé (8), with the prospect of a return to Tottenham being kept alive by Frank.
“I didn’t know there was a clause. He is an unbelievable player who did fantastic for Spurs and is doing fantastic for Bayern. Top player. I think there’s a lot of Tottenham fans, including myself, who would like to see Kane back," Frank said.
“Personally, I don’t think he will do it right now if I’m honest. He’ll probably stay in Bayern and continue performing well. He was top scorer last year, won the championship and he’s doing fantastic now. I don’t know what he’s thinking. Myself, I’m a traveller, I like to travel, I like to explore things as well. He’s been here for many years so why not enjoy the time at Bayern a little bit more?
“But he’s welcome. If he wants to join us, he’s more than welcome!”
Not only does Kane's deal include the release clause, which is active from January (BILD), but The Telegraph also reported in February that ex-chairman Daniel Levy negotiated a 'first option agreement' in potential talks for the 32-year-old.
For the first option to be valid, Bayern would have to agree to the move, as would Kane, but it is something he could seriously consider.
England's all-time best goalscorer had his eyes on Alan Shearer's Premier League goalscoring record for years, and is just 47 strikes away from equalling the Newcastle legend's tally.
We're likely to see more and more reports linking Kane with a senstional move back to N17, with his contract expiring in 2027, but another Bayern player could seal a switch to Tottenham before him.
£135,000-per-week midfielder Joao Palhinha has been a revelation for Spurs since joining on an initial loan deal. However, if the club don't trigger Palhinha's £27 million buy-option, he's due back in Germany once the season ends.
Joao Palhinha wants to seal Tottenham transfer next year
That being said, there appears to be a willingness from all parties to extend his stay indefinitely.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, via GiveMeSport, Palhinha is keen to seal his move to Tottenham in 2026 and was insistent on the buy-option clause to be inserted into any deal.
"I think the Joao Palhinha signing has been excellent for Tottenham," Jacobs began.
"The original agreement had an option to buy, which is set at £27million. That was something that both Tottenham and the player were very keen on factoring in as part of the deal.
"Palhinha, in particular, viewed the loan as being contingent, in many ways, on having that option to buy because he would like to be permanently back in the Premier League.
"If Spurs choose to take up the option, the player will be very happy with that because he dove into the move, wanting that permanence to begin with."
The Portugal international has resurrected his career back in the Premier League after a very difficult debut season at Bayern, with Palhinha winning plenty of admirers through his robust, tough-tackling style which has added serious steel to Frank's midfield.
The 30-year-old's dominant display away to Man City earned a 'wow' from Spurs' manager, and supporters will be hopeful the best is still yet to come.