Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that all-time record goalscorer Harry Kane has left the club to join German champions Bayern Munich.
The England captain departs for the Allianz Arena for a reported initial fee of Β£100m, which could rise to as much as Β£120m with performance-related add-ons, potentially making him the most expensive British player in history.
Kane has signed a four-year contract with Thomas Tuchel's side, and he will wear the number nine shirt for the Bundesliga holders ahead of his potential debut against RB Leipzig in Saturday's German Super Cup clash.
The striker had entered the final year of his contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and would have been eligible to leave on a free transfer in 2024, although chairman Daniel Levy initially refused to entertain bids in the hope that both parties would eventually come to an agreement over fresh terms.
Bayern failed with three bids for the Englishman, but having accepted that Kane would not be penning a new deal, Levy "reluctantly" agreed to let the club's greatest goalscorer of all time bid farewell.
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β FC Bayern MΓΌnchen (@FCBayern) August 12, 2023
"We sought over a long period of time to engage Harry and his representatives in several forms of contract extension, both short and long term. Harry was clear, however, that he wanted a fresh challenge and would not be signing a new contract this summer. We have reluctantly, therefore, agreed to his transfer," Levy told the official Tottenham website.
"We have seen a product of our Academy system become one of the best players to ever pull on a Spurs shirt and become one of world football's elite strikers. It has been a truly remarkable journey.
"Harry's achievements and records say everything about the player, and throughout his 19 years at the Club, Harry has been a model professional, on and off the pitch and an inspiration for young players who dream of following in his footsteps.
"I should like to thank Harry for everything he's done for us, all the memories, all the records - we wish him and his family all the best for the future. It goes without saying, he's always welcome back. He's a much loved and valued member of the Spurs family, forever in our history."
Bayern were regarded as one of three serious contenders for Kane's signature alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, where the ex-Tottenham man would have had the chance to continue his pursuit of Alan Shearer's all-time Premier League goalscoring record.
Β© Reuters
Kane's 213 English top-flight goals leaves him 47 adrift of Shearer's all-time high of 260, and his desire to surpass his compatriot is well-documented, but Levy had no intention of doing business with a direct rival.
Kane also ruled out a move to PSG, leaving Bayern as his only viable destination for a summer transfer, and the 30-year-old has elected to prioritise winning team trophies over his individual Premier League goal haul.
"I'm very happy to be a part of FC Bayern now. Bayern is one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I've always said that I want to compete and prove myself at the highest level during my career," Kane told the official Bayern website. "This club is defined by its winning mentality - it feels very good to be here."
Herbert Hainer - president of the German champions - added: "Welcome to Munich, Harry Kane! We're very happy about this top-quality new arrival.
"The transfer required tenacity, bite and perseverance - my compliments to all those involved in these negotiations at FC Bayern, led by our CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen. Harry Kane will not only strengthen FC Bayern, but also be a real asset to the entire Bundesliga."
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β Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 12, 2023
Finally, CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen - who spearheaded negotiations for Kane alongside director Marco Neppe - said: "It's been a long process, but now we're all the happier that Harry Kane will be wearing the Bayern Munich shirt with immediate effect.
"Harry Kane was our absolute dream player right from the start. He is a perfect fit for us and the club's DNA in terms of both football and character.
"World-class centre forwards have always been an important factor when FC Bayern has celebrated its greatest triumphs, and we're convinced that Harry Kane will continue this success story. Our fans can look forward to one of the best goalscorers of our time."
Kane previously represented Arsenal and Watford's youth teams before joining the Tottenham academy ranks in 2004, and he leaves with a sensational tally of 280 goals and 64 assists from 435 games, breaking Jimmy Greaves's all-time scoring record in February of this year.
The 30-year-old collected three Premier League Golden Boots in North London, while also winning the Playmaker Award in 2021, and he was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year on five occasions.
However, Kane never won a major team trophy with the Lilywhites, collecting a runners-up medal in the 2018-19 Champions League as well as being on the losing side in the 2014-15 and 2020-21 EFL Cup finals.
Ben Knapton
