Tottenham legend Harry Kane could well make a stunning return to Spurs next year, following news of a £54 million release clause in his Bayern Munich contract.
Thomas Frank opens door for Harry Kane to re-join Tottenham
Since bidding an emotional farewell to North London over two years ago, agreeing to join Bayern in an £86 million deal, the 32-year-old has spearheaded Vincent Kompany's side to a Bundesliga title and German Super Cup, scoring 98 goals across all competitions in the process.
Kane is tantalisingly close to reaching a landmark 100 goals for Bayern, and could well do so against Werder Bremen this evening.
England and Tottenham's all-time record goalscorer has been a revelation for the Germans, but with just under two years remaining on his contract, and Kane himself not getting any younger, the prospect of him leaving in 2026 is a real one.
Interested sides have the option of triggering his clause once it becomes active, potentially in January (BILD), but reports have since suggested that a summer move is far more likely.
Tottenham have 'first refusal' rights on any deal for Kane, putting them ahead of other suitors, but it is conditional on both Bayern and the centre-forward agreeing to the move (The Telegraph).
When asked about Kane's release clause earlier this week, Spurs boss Thomas Frank made his thoughts crystal clear.
"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!”
Tottenham are reportedly ready to move for Kane, if they are given encouragement that he'd be open to re-signing.
Taking this into account, a new update from journalist Ben Jacobs may come as some very good news for Frank's side.
Harry Kane's stance on leaving Bayern Munich next summer
The reporter told GiveMeSport that Kane may consider an exit from Bayern after the 2026 World Cup, and if he is to go anywhere, then it is back to the Premier League.
"He doesn't see appeal in going to MLS yet. Saudi Pro League clubs have tried in the past and never had any encouragement so, if Kane is to leave Bayern, it would almost certainly be to go back to the Premier League," said Jacobs.
"Then we have to understand if that's a return to Tottenham — and Thomas Frank has said he would be very welcome — or whether he would be prepared to put on the shirt of another club and rival to Spurs.
"I think suitors are aware of this €65million release clause, which becomes active next summer, and also understand that Kane may consider leaving Bayern after the World Cup. That's going to be one to watch next summer."
Out of any English destination, Tottenham is surely the standout appeal to Kane. His history at the club and love for Spurs cannot be discounted, and the perfect way to sign off on what has been a glittering career would be to win silverware there.
Man City were once chasing Kane before they opted for Erling Haaland, and Pep Guardiola personally wanted him (Fabrizio Romano). However, the prospect of a move to Eastlands or Liverpool is now off the table, with the latter just completing a British-record deal for Alexander Isak.
Arsenal have just signed Viktor Gyokeres as well, and Chelsea are famed for targeting much younger players as part of their recruitment strategy.
Taking this into account, Spurs is really the only viable destination, and the prospect of a reunion is hugely exciting.