Report: Harry Kane's Bayern Munich exit looms, Tottenham and Man Utd battle for star's return

Tottenham Hotspur hold a key advantage with a first-refusal clause, but Manchester United are emerging as strong contenders for the England captain's signature.

A surprising twist also links Kane to Barcelona as a possible successor to Robert Lewandowski.

Kane, widely regarded as one of the Premier League's greatest-ever strikers, left Tottenham for Bayern Munich in 2023 for a reported 86 million pounds. The move came after Spurs, unable to secure a contract extension as Kane entered his final year, opted to cash in rather than risk losing him for free.

Manchester United expressed interest at the time but balked at Bayern's valuation, paving the way for the Bundesliga giants to secure the deal.

Since joining Bayern, Kane has been prolific, scoring 85 goals and providing 26 assists in 96 appearances. Last season, he finally claimed a major team trophy, helping Bayern clinch the Bundesliga title. Despite his success, whispers of a Premier League return have persisted.

A recent report from The Telegraph noted "industry mutterings" that Kane, now 32, is eyeing a move back to England after the 2026 World Cup, with his contract set to expire in 2027.

Kane's deal includes a release clause that decreases annually, potentially allowing clubs to sign him for a cut-price fee of around 54 million pounds in 2026.

Tottenham's first-refusal clause gives them the right to match any offer Bayern accept from another Premier League club, but no fixed fee is tied to this agreement. "Spurs would still need to trigger his release clause or negotiate a price with Bayern," a source explained.

Manchester United appear to be leading the race, with sources suggesting they are "intensively exploring" a move for Kane next summer to bolster their attack under manager Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils see Kane as the proven No. 9 they lack, with current forwards Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee yet to fully convince. "Kane would not just be a goalscorer but a leader to restore United's glory," a report noted, referencing his long-standing interest in joining the club.

Tottenham, however, remain firmly in the conversation. The club's chairman, Daniel Levy, confirmed the existence of the buy-back clause in 2023, stating, "Of course it exists," during a fans' forum. Spurs fans, still fond of their all-time top scorer with 213 Premier League goals, would welcome Kane's return, especially as he chases Alan Shearer's record of 260 goals, sitting just 47 behind.

Adding intrigue, Barcelona have emerged as a potential destination. Reports indicate the La Liga giants are considering Kane as a replacement for Lewandowski, whose contract expires in 2026. While a move to Spain would be a shock, it underscores Kane's enduring appeal across Europe's top leagues.

Kane has remained tight-lipped but previously expressed contentment at Bayern, saying, "I love the manager, I love the team," and indicating he wants to stay for the "foreseeable future." Yet, with his release clause dropping and the Premier League calling, the football world awaits the next chapter for one of England's finest strikers.

For now, Bayern are focused on the current season, with Kane spearheading their attack. But as 2026 approaches, Tottenham and Manchester United are poised for a high-stakes battle, with Barcelona lurking as a wildcard.

The stage is set for a transfer saga that could reshape the Premier League landscape.