When Harry Kane signed for Bayern Munich in the summer for a club-record fee of €95 million from Tottenham Hotspur, there was a great sense of expectation placed on his shoulders.
This is mainly due to the fact that Der Rekordmeister had struggled the year prior in the absence of Robert Lewandowski, and with the England captain now leading the line, a similar kind of dominance was expected of Bayern.
However, with three months left of the season, Bayern sit in second place, eight points behind Bayer Leverkusen, and on the verge of dropping out of the Champions League at the round of 16 stage after a first-leg defeat to Lazio. Bayern’s struggles have, therefore, begged the question: has Kane’s signing been worth it?
On a personal level, yes. With 25 goals in the Bundesliga, the former Spurs striker is currently the top scorer in Europe’s top five domestic leagues, and his relentless nature in front of goal does not appear to be ending anytime soon.
As well as this, Kane has been breaking records for fun in the Bundesliga, most recently becoming the quickest player to reach 25 goals in Germany’s top flight, previously set by Borussia Dortmund’s former striker Erling Haaland.
With a total haul of 29 goals and eight assists in all competitions, Kane has been a revelation in Bavaria, rapidly becoming a fan favourite in the process. However, despite his effectiveness in the final third this season, Der Rekordmeister are set to end the season without lifting silverware for just the seventh time this century.
While Bayern had enjoyed one of the best starts to a Bundesliga season, since returning from the winter break, the record champions have been far from convincing. And to make matters worse, Bayer Leverkusen appear to be unstoppable, as highlighted by their 3-0 demolition of Bayern just two weeks ago.
The Rekordmeister have fallen dangerously behind the Wekself, leaving the club in typical Bayern crisis mode as Thomas Tuchel’s job hangs in the balance. Nevertheless, despite the club’s interest in a number of short-term targets, such as former Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane, Tuchel’s role in charge looks to be safe for now.
This is due to the fact that there is an understanding from the Bayern board that the playing squad is in desperate need of an overhaul. As previously reported, there is internal discussion surrounding how there are too many big-name, high-paid players who have lost their hunger to succeed with the record champions.
This, therefore, suggests that while Kane’s signing has worked on a personal level, he has failed to improve the fortunes of the club. Without him, Bayern would almost certainly be in a more perilous position, but could the €95m have been used in a more fulfilling manner?
The phenomenal work of Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sané this season must also be appreciated, but it is clear that further defensive and midfield reinforcement will be needed in the summer. Whilst next season Bayern could be unstoppable with Kane spearheading a refreshed and more coherent side, this season, his signing has not worked in the way Bayern would have hoped.
Kane has undeniably been a marvel to watch, but no silverware for Bayern Munich is simply not good enough.
GGFN | Will Shopland
