Citizen Kane?
With football season now underway, the future of Harry Kane is still a hot topic.
Football is back in full swing, fans and all, and we still have just over a week left of the summer transfer window. We have already seen Manchester City snap up Jack Grealish for a British record-breaking £100m and they have been tipped throughout the summer to smash the top fee for a British player for a second time before the window slams shut on 31st August.
Presently Manchester City are on the hunt for a new striker following the departure of Sergio Aguero to Barcelona at the end of last season and their supposed main target is Tottenham youth product, Harry Kane. 166 goals in 246 appearances in the Premier League have seen Kane become an integral member of the team at Spurs and the captain of the England international squad. These stats, accompanied by his third golden boot and the top assists award last season have seen City, so far, offer up £100m plus a player in exchange for Kane’s services. However, Tottenham chairman Danial Levy has rejected City’s advances to date and it is widely accepted that Levy will not even enter into discussions without an initial offer of £150m.
Do City Need Kane?
In short, yes. With their front line being significantly depleted following Aguero’s move to Spain they are in desperate need of goals (Norwich game aside). Kane has the ability to supply 25–30+ goals a season which would greatly enhance their attacking threat as they look to retain their Premier League title and chase the coveted Champions League trophy, which they are yet to win. With Kane’s ability to both score and drop deep to pick up the ball and create opportunities for teammates, City could add a new kind of attacking threat to the team which they’ve not had to date.
Do City Really Want Kane?
Being one of the richest clubs in the world, City have been known for splashing the cash for areas in need of improvement, most notably over the last few seasons in defence. At present previous backup forward Gabrial Jesus is now the only recognised out and out striker on City’s books. While there are Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules to be mindful of, recent activity in the market does make you question how much the Citizens actually want the Walthamstow hitman.
While Grealish is a great young talent there was much less need for his services than there is for Kane’s. They already boast the talents of Phil Foden, Ryhad Mahrez and a number of others who can do the job that Grealish does. However, they don’t have anyone that does what Kane can do. Having said that, rather than stump up the fee Tottenham have placed on Kane, they opted to meet Grealish’s release clause of £100m first. Following on from this they have attempted to make offers far below the asking price that Tottenham simply won’t accept with their star man still having 3 years left on his 6-year deal.
Will Kane Leave?
With just over a week left to find a solution, it is looking increasingly likely that the Spurs man will be continuing his time in North London this season. Spurs currently hold the upper hand with all the time left to run and unless an astronomical figure is tabled with enough time for a replacement to be acquired, it’s highly unlikely Tottenham will agree to the sale. It has been touted recently that should a move to the Citizens not materialise that Kane is open to signing a new deal at his boyhood club. Many have felt this is the wrong move and that by offering any new deal would reinforce that his recent petulance over the City saga is met with reward, however, a new deal might be a good thing for all at Spurs.
Do you think Kane will stick it out in North London or could there be deadline day drama? Let me know what you think.
Thank you for taking the time to read my maiden piece on Medium. I love all things football and will be musing my opinions and thoughts throughout the season along with some stats and facts.
