Kane's new Bayern deal raises questions over England and Premier League record
Harry Kane's contract extension at Bayern Munich through 2029 keeps him in Germany, likely ending his Premier League career and leaving Alan Shearer's scoring record out of reach, while pointing to Euro 2028 and possibly the 2030 World Cup with England.
Bayern Munich have moved quickly to tie Harry Kane to a new contract running until 2029, shortly before his 36th birthday, after the England captain was crowned the world's best player. Kane joined from Spurs for £86m in August 2023 and has since scored 102 goals in 102 Bundesliga matches, winning two league titles and three successive Golden Boot awards. The club's decision to secure him follows interest from other clubs in his next move.
The deal carries consequences beyond Munich. Because it expires so late in his career, the prospect that Kane — Spurs' record scorer with 280 goals in 435 appearances — will play in the Premier League again appears increasingly unlikely, and the idea of an emotional return to Tottenham now looks remote.
It also seems to place Alan Shearer's Premier League scoring record of 260 goals, set in 441 games for Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United, beyond Kane's reach. Kane scored 213 times in 320 league games for Spurs and remains 47 short.
For England, the extension offers a strong signal that Kane, who has 91 goals from a record-equalling 125 caps, is targeting Euro 2028 in the UK and Ireland, and possibly the 2030 World Cup. Former England striker Chris Sutton told BBC Sport that Kane is "more than capable of carrying on for a few years yet," arguing his finishing, link-up play and football brain will not decline with age in the way pace does, and citing Teddy Sheringham as a comparison. Sutton added that no English forward is close to Kane's class.
Kane's response to a disappointing Euro 2024, where he was substituted in every knockout match including the final defeat to Spain but still finished as joint top scorer with three goals, has reinforced his standing. England coach Thomas Tuchel will hope the new deal motivates Kane to end the country's long wait for international glory, while Bayern expect further honours from their investment.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
