Exclusive: ‘Statement signing’ Harry Kane will be ‘icing on the cake’ at Bayern Munich says Owen Hargreaves

In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, former England international Owen Hargreaves has tipped Harry Kane to be the “icing on the cake” at Bayern Munich.

The 30-year-old comes in effectively to replace Robert Lewandowski who left the Bavarians for Barcelona in 2021 after netting an amazing 344 goals in 374 appearances in eight successful years.

Without the Poland international, Bayern suffered an indifferent season, being eliminated from the Champions League in the quarter-final and only retaining their Bundesliga title after Dortmund dropped points on the final day of the season.

Speaking to TNT Sports, Hargreaves – who won four Bundesliga titles and a Champions League with Bayern – insists their supporters will “absolutely love” what Kane will bring to their team.

“I think probably the one thing that they were missing last season was a centre forward, obviously losing Lewandowski was huge,” began Hargreaves.

“You think about the world class wingers they have, the midfield they have in [Josua] Kimmich and [Leon] Goretzka, defensively they have some amazing options, and one of the best goalkeepers in the world in Manuel Neuer when he’s back fit.

“It feels like Thomas Tuchel is putting together quite a formidable group of players and Harry Kane it seems is like the icing on the cake.”

In Germany there has been criticism of the price that Bayern have paid for Kane, given it is a national record for a player who is aged 30 and who would have been available on a free transfer next summer.

However, Hargreaves believes that if Kane can help Bayern deliver the Champions League trophy for the first time since 2019/20, the cost will be justified.

Furthermore, he feels that Kane will perfectly suit the playing style at Bayern and will settle quickly in Munich.

“They have a brilliant young centre forward in the young Frenchman Mathys Tel but he still needs a bit of time and I think right now, at the top, top level you just want to win, and Harry guarantees you the opportunity to compete for the biggest trophies,” said Hargreaves.

“I’m guessing a lot of this is probably driven from Thomas Tuchel, his experience of Harry Kane and wanting someone ready and finished.

“They will love him. He’s such a nice guy, Harry, an amazing football player, humble, quiet. And at Bayern, as much as everyone calls it FC Hollywood, it’s not. It’s a big family club.

“The club will realise what a diamond they have coming. I think Harry with his personality, he’s so humble, and the Germans aren’t very big into flash things. So Harry is almost perfect, he’s very understated and it’s all performance. I think that will fit in well with Bayern Munich.

“The stadium is one of the best in the world, the training ground is perfect. The city, the quality of life is exceptional. And then again not only for him but also for his family, you know.

“So it ticks so many boxes right in the centre of Europe. I’m not sure you could find a better place to play football.”

He continued: “There’s always going to be criticism. You know, everybody has an opinion, that’s the beautiful thing about football. But the one thing I would say is, when people watch Harry Kane play, they’re going to absolutely love him.

“It’s very unprecedented for a player like Harry Kane to go for that type of money in the Bundesliga, but in the end, I think when people watch Harry and see what he contributes to the team… he’s always fit, he bangs in the goals, he’s the perfect pro, he’s an amazing team-mate.

“It’s probably very rare that you get a player at 30 years old with one year left to transfer for that amount, but Harry Kane is Harry Kane.

“He’s worth it if you can win the Champions League. Bayern win the Bundesliga and the cup more often than not, but the goal is to be one of the best and I think it’s a statement signing for Bayern, almost more so than ever, and it’s a statement signing for the Bundesliga.

“You pay a premium for the class which is Harry Kane, he’s a centre forward but he’s a No. 10 in the same breath. And if you look at the transfer fees now, you’re paying £50 million for players that don’t even start every game.

“So, I think you’re better off paying top dollar for someone you know is going to guarantee you at least 25 or 30 goals and 10 assists.”

As a fellow Englishman who has been there and done it in Munich, Hargreaves believes the Tottenham legend will be a resounding success in Germany.

“I was there for 10 years and it’s had a huge impact on my life. From 16 to 26, going in as a boy and leaving as a man. It’s an amazing city, the football club is as good as any football club in the world.

“He’s walking into a readymade product, so all he’s got to do is be Harry Kane and that’s good enough. So, score goals, have fun and I think he’s going to absolutely adore it, not only for him but I think for his family.”