Is Harry Kane Overpriced?
Despite playing for Tottenham, Harry Kane still maintains hope that Manchester United will revive their pursuit to acquire him during this summer transfer window, but only if Daniel Levy, the chief of Tottenham, decides to lower his demanding price of £100 million.
In an impressive display, the England national team captain showcased his skills at Old Trafford on Monday evening, netting two goals in a commanding 7-0 victory over North Macedonia in the Euro 2024 qualifying match.
However, the realization of Kane’s aspirations of joining Manchester United as his permanent club rests heavily on the notoriously stubborn Levy, who would need to soften his unwavering stance. United has clearly stated that they are not willing to engage in negotiations at a price of £100 million, considering Kane’s upcoming 30th birthday next month and the fact that he only has one year remaining on his contract with Spurs. Consequently, United has temporarily halted its interest in Kane and redirected its focus towards more feasible targets, such as Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta.
Nonetheless, a revised price closer to £80 million could entice Manchester United to reengage in discussions, particularly because their manager, Erik ten Hag, has a preference for signing a striker with a proven track record in the Premier League. Harry Kane perfectly fits the bill, boasting an impressive tally of 213 top-flight goals, second only to Alan Shearer, as well as a record-breaking 58 goals for the England national team.
While Chelsea remains another viable option for Kane, it seems highly improbable that he would be willing to jeopardize his esteemed legacy at Tottenham by making a move to Stamford Bridge, despite the enticing prospect of reuniting with his former Spurs manager, Mauricio Pochettino. Levy has also made his intentions clear, expressing his reluctance to sell Kane to another English club, as such a move would not only weaken Tottenham but also bolster one of their direct competitors.
Monitoring the situation from the European stage, prestigious clubs like Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bayern Munich have shown interest. Still, they too exhibit hesitancy in overpaying for a player who will become available on a free transfer in just a year’s time.
Undeniably, Harry Kane’s strong preference lies with Manchester United, and he holds onto the hope that Levy will eventually yield, sparing him the disappointment of a lost opportunity valued at £80 million.
Regrettably, prevailing sentiment from all parties involved suggests that Levy will remain resolute in his position, echoing the resolute stand he took when rejecting a £125 million bid from Manchester City two years ago. Consequently, Kane might be compelled to endure another year with Tottenham before being able to leave as a free agent.
Understanding the potential ramifications of being embroiled in a protracted transfer impasse with Levy throughout the summer, Manchester United is hesitant to proceed down that path, recognizing that it would impact their pursuit of other signings. Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta is perceived as a more realistic alternative if Atalanta significantly reduces their initial asking price of £86 million. Additionally, Ten Hag’s interest in securing the services of Mason Mount from Chelsea prompts United to consider raising their offer to approximately £50 million. Furthermore, the increasingly probable departure of goalkeeper David de Gea as a free agent in the coming week might prompt Ten Hag to explore the market for a new goalkeeper as well.
These three potential deals are expected to fully deplete Manchester United’s transfer budget, which is believed to be around £120 million, leaving any additional signings contingent upon player sales.
It has come to light that Manchester United is open to considering offers for several players, including Anthony Martial, Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Fred, Anthony Elanga, and Brandon Williams.
Tuchel Vs. Gunners
According to reports, Bayern Munich could find themselves in another transfer battle with Arsenal as they compete to secure the signing of Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.
Previous reports indicated that Thomas Tuchel’s team was the strongest contender against Arsenal for their primary transfer target, Declan Rice. Tuchel, the former Chelsea head coach, expressed his willingness to build the midfield around the West Ham captain and had multiple discussions with the player. However, it appears that Rice is on his way to the Emirates after Arsenal submitted an improved bid of £90 million for the midfielder, which could potentially reach £100 million with additional clauses. Nevertheless, the Bundesliga giants might be quicker in securing the second transfer priority for Arsenal.
According to ESPN, the German champions are poised to make a move for the center-back after Ajax rejected Arsenal’s initial offer for Timber. Mail Sport revealed that Mikel Arteta’s side began with a bid of £30 million, but Ajax promptly turned it down, valuing the player closer to £50 million.
Timber, who has been with the club since 2014, made a strong impression as he progressed through the youth ranks at his childhood club. After winning the Marco van Basten Award for Talent of the Year and being named Eredivisie Player of the Year at the end of the 2021-22 season, the defender seemed destined to join his former coach, Erik ten Hag, and make a move to Manchester United. However, Timber later rejected the Red Devils and decided to stay at Ajax for another season, although his desire to leave the Dutch league has reignited ahead of the summer transfer window.
Arsenal, eager to make several new signings this summer, will seek to acquire Timber at the most competitive price possible, especially considering the proposed club-record bid for Rice. Alongside Timber and Rice, Arsenal is also pursuing Chelsea’s Kai Havertz, for whom they are prepared to offer a fee totaling £60 million, as well as Southampton’s Romeo Lavia.
Expected departures from the Emirates include Rob Holding, Kiernan Tierney, Granit Xhaka, and talented young player Folarin Balogun, who will only remain at his childhood club if guaranteed playing time. The club is also open to offers for midfielder Thomas Partey.
Should Timber seriously consider Bayern’s interest, he may reflect on the challenges his former teammate Ryan Gravenberch has faced during his debut season in Bavaria. Gravenberch, another highly regarded prospect from Ajax, made the move to Bayern in August 2022 but has struggled for playing time under both Tuchel and his predecessor Julian Nagelsmann, failing to establish himself in the starting lineup. The 21-year-old has attracted interest from Liverpool, whose midfield overhaul this summer began with the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton, and he is likely seeking a move that guarantees regular football.
Tidbits
“Chelsea are preparing to offload Edouard Mendy to Saudi Arabia and are ready to make a move for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.”
“Arsenal have submitted an improved bid of £60m for Chelsea forward Kai Havertz, consisting of an initial £55m with an additional £5m to be paid in instalments.”
“Chelsea are contemplating using Conor Gallagher as part of the deal to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.”
“A bid of €80m has been made for Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who was previously targeted by Chelsea before his transfer to Spain.”
“If Bayern Munich fails to secure Kyle Walker, manager Thomas Tuchel is interested in reuniting with right-back Cesar Azpilicueta.”
“Chelsea and Manchester United are set to compete for the signature of Juventus centre-back Gleison Bremer.”
“Manchester City is nearing a deal to sign midfielder Mateo Kovacic for a fee of approximately £25m.”
“An agreement has been reached for the signing of Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson, but Chelsea is still finalizing a payment plan to distribute the fee and alleviate the Financial Fair Play implications.”
“A last-minute attempt was made to entice Tottenham wonderkid Mikey Moore, considered one of England’s top young talents, before he decided to sign a contract with his current club.”
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