Tottenham have been informed of the worrying condition surrounding Harry Kane’s widely reported 2026 release clause, with the Bayern Munich superstar potentially ready to consider a return to the Premier League.
Thomas Frank welcomes Harry Kane re-joining Tottenham
When asked about a Spurs reunion for the club’s all-time top goalscorer, Thomas Frank left the door wide open — sending a clear message to Kane that he’s welcome back anytime.
“I didn’t know there was a clause. He is an unbelievable player who did fantastic for Spurs and is doing fantastic for Bayern. Top player. I think there’s a lot of Tottenham fans, including myself, who would like to see Kane back,” Frank said.
“Personally, I don’t think he will do it right now if I’m honest. He’ll probably stay in Bayern and continue performing well. He was top scorer last year, won the championship and he’s doing fantastic now. I don’t know what he’s thinking. Myself, I’m a traveller, I like to travel, I like to explore things as well. He’s been here for many years so why not enjoy the time at Bayern a little bit more?
“But he’s welcome. If he wants to join us, he’s more than welcome!”
Kane left Spurs to pursue silverware in 2023, joining Bayern in an £86 million deal, and he’s since had his wish for trophies fulfilled.
Despite missing out on the 2024 Bundesliga title to Bayer Leverkusen, who finished that campaign unbeaten domestically, Bayern swiftly returned to the pinnacle of German football thereafter, with Kane lifting his first ever domestic crown at the end of last season.
It was just reward for his sensational form since making the move to Bavaria, but with his contract expiring in 2027, Kane may well consider a move back to England in the near future.
The 32-year-old isn’t getting any younger, and Alan Shearer’s all-time Premier League goalscoring record is still up for grabs, as Kane lies just 47 goals off that historic landmark.
|
The Premier League’s all-time top goalscorers |
Goals |
|---|---|
|
Alan Shearer |
260 |
|
Harry Kane |
213 |
|
Wayne Rooney |
208 |
|
Mohamed Salah |
188 |
|
Andrew Cole |
187 |
|
Sergio Agüero |
184 |
|
Frank Lampard |
177 |
|
Thierry Henry |
175 |
|
Robbie Fowler |
163 |
|
Jermain Defoe |
156 |
Kane’s release clause, worth just over £50 million, becomes active next summer, and the prospect of Tottenham triggering it to spark a sensational comeback is very tantalising, especially considering Dominic Solanke’s ongoing fitness issues.
Reports suggest that Kane may consider leaving Bayern after the 2026 World Cup, and if he is to go anywhere, coming back to England is by far the most likely outcome (Ben Jacobs).
Tottenham are also reportedly prepared to go all out for Kane if they’re encouraged that he’s open to re-joining, but according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, his release clause is actually more complicated than first thought.
Tottenham told problematic condition of Harry Kane’s release clause
The reporter, speaking to Football Insider, says that Kane’s clause becoming active hinges on Bayern finding a replacement for the striker, and the Three Lions star must inform Kompany’s side of his intentions to leave before the January window shuts — if he is to leave in the summer.
“There is this clause meaning he could leave next summer if he informs Bayern that he wants to leave before the close of the January transfer window, giving them time to bring in a replacement,” O’Rourke said.
“So he could potentially be allowed to leave next summer for £56.7million, which although he’s not getting any younger, Kane still I think that he would be a bargain because he is basically a guarantee of goals.
“13 goals and three assists from seven appearances in all competitions for Bayern already this season as well.
“I’m sure Spurs are still pulling the heartstrings of Harry Kane. He had such a great time there.
“The chance to maybe return to the Premier League and chase down Alan Shearer for that all-time Premier League goal-scoring record I’m sure is something that might be in the back of his mind.”
This could prove problematic for CEO Vinai Vinkatesham and the Spurs recruitment team if they do intend to move for Kane next summer, as this condition of the clause presents a whole new obstacle that is beyond the Lilywhites’ control.
There is a major shortage of world-class, Kane-level strikers who could also be available next year, with most already signed to new clubs during the last window.
Nevertheless, this is apparently a key aspect of Kane’s release clause, and one which threatens to derail any move for the centre-forward.
