Harry Kane’s departure from Tottenham Hotspur in August 2023 marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.
However, fresh reports indicate that his time in Germany might not be a long-term commitment, as his contract includes an eight-figure release clause that could facilitate a sensational return to England.
The England captain, now 31, was seemingly set to leave behind the Premier League’s goalscoring records, but this clause could change everything. According to Bild, Kane had the opportunity to trigger a release clause during the recent winter transfer window, allowing him to leave Bayern for around €80 million (£67m). That deadline has now passed, but an even lower release fee of €65 million (£54m) will be active again next winter, setting the stage for a potential move in 2026.
Kane remains under contract at Bayern until June 2027, and by all accounts, he is content with life in Germany. His adaptation to Bundesliga football has been seamless, and he continues to thrive both on and off the pitch.
The prolific striker has settled in Munich with his young family, and his performances suggest he has no immediate desire to leave. Since his arrival, he has been nothing short of extraordinary, netting 70 goals in 72 appearances, including a record-breaking sprint to 50 Bundesliga goals, surpassing Erling Haaland’s previous benchmark. But despite his success, speculation persists that he could still have unfinished business in the Premier League.
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The lure of Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League goalscoring record remains a major talking point. Kane currently sits on 213 league goals, just 47 behind Shearer’s legendary tally of 260. If he were to return to England, surpassing that milestone would be well within reach.
Given that his release clause drops to €65 million next winter—a relatively modest fee for a player of his caliber—several Premier League clubs could be tempted to make a move. The question remains: will Kane opt for another Bundesliga title chase, or will the allure of English football’s grandest individual record be too strong to resist?
For now, Bayern appear committed to their talisman, but behind the scenes, contingency plans are being discussed. Reports suggest that club executives are already scouting potential long-term replacements. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Clube de Portugal’s Viktor Gyokeres have both been linked as possible successors.
Bayern Are Preparing for Kane’s Departure
Either player would command a transfer fee in the region of €70 million (£58m), but their wage demands would be significantly lower than Kane’s current €25 million-a-year (£21m) salary. This suggests that Bayern are preparing for the eventuality of Kane’s departure, whether it happens in 2026 or later.
Another intriguing possibility is a move to Major League Soccer. Kane has long expressed admiration for American sports, particularly the NFL, and a switch to the United States could be on the cards as he enters the twilight of his career. The MLS has become a popular destination for European stars looking for a new challenge, and with Kane turning 32 in July, a stateside move might be an appealing option. However, given his competitive nature and hunger for records, a return to the Premier League seems like the most likely next step if he decides to leave Germany.
While Kane remains focused on Bayern’s ambitions for now, the presence of a release clause adds a layer of intrigue to his future. If he maintains his current scoring rate, he could dominate the Bundesliga for years to come. But the possibility of one last Premier League chapter—one that could see him cement his status as the league’s greatest-ever goalscorer—remains firmly in play. The football world will be watching closely next winter, when Kane will once again have the power to decide his destiny.
