Kane successor? Bayern have world champion on their list | OneFootball

At FC Bayern, plans for the future of the striker are apparently being made on several levels. While Munich are working intensively on a contract extension with Harry Kane, rumours are now circulating about a possible successor. The name: Julián Álvarez from Atlético Madrid

Harry Kane continues to be beyond reproach in sporting terms, but those responsible at Säbener Straße also know that long-term squad planning does not just begin when a key player ends his career. The 32-year-old Englishman is still under contract until 2027, talks about an extension are ongoing, but a final decision has not yet been made. This is precisely why Bayern are sounding out the market as a precaution, according to the latest media reports

As the Spanish portal Fichajes reports, Julián Álvarez is said to be at the top of the internal list. The 2022 Argentinian world champion is considered one of the most complete strikers of his generation, combining finishing power, willingness to run and intelligence – qualities that also characterise Harry Kane at FC Bayern. In Munich, the 25-year-old is said to be seen as the ideal candidate to fill big shoes in the future

Record transfer fee in the air – but Atlético blocked

photo: IMAGO

According to the report, FC Bayern would even be prepared to dig deep into their pockets for Álvarez. There is talk of a possible transfer fee of up to 130 million euros – an amount that would set a new club record. This would be painful for Atlético Madrid in sporting terms, but hard to ignore economically

However, there are currently many arguments against a timely transfer. Álvarez is still under contract at Atlético until 2030 and has long since developed into a central figure under Diego Simeone. Since his transfer from Manchester in the summer of 2024, the Argentine has put up impressive figures and is one of the key players both in the league and internationally. According to information from Spain, the Madrid management are categorically ruling out a sale after this season

What’s more, Atlético itself sees no need to sell its star. The club has long-term plans for Álvarez, who has arrived in Madrid after his time at Manchester City and has taken on a clear leadership role there. The rumoured interest from FC Barcelona is also said to play no role internally

Realistic or just a mind game?

From Bayern’s point of view, however, the personnel issue remains exciting. Should an extension with Harry Kane be delayed or even break down, the pressure to act would be enormous. A striker of top international calibre is rare on the market – and correspondingly expensive. Álvarez would fit perfectly into the sporting profile, but represents a huge challenge both financially and strategically

At present, there is much to suggest that the rumour is more of a strategic brainwave than a concrete transfer plan. As long as Kane is open to an extension and Atlético do not signal a willingness to sell, a transfer remains unlikely. However, it is also clear that FC Bayern have long been thinking beyond the present – and Julián Álvarez is a name that is very well known in Munich.