Harry Kane has revealed that his outlook on returning to English football has changed significantly since moving to the Bundesliga. The striker left Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern Munich in 2023 in a deal worth £86.4 million, with many expecting him to eventually return to England and add to his 213 Premier League goals in pursuit of Alan Shearer's record of 260.
Key Points:
- Harry Kane admits his desire to return to English football has faded after finding happiness at Bayern Munich.
- The England captain scored 61 goals in 51 appearances last season as Bayern won the domestic league and cup double.
- Kane believes Vincent Kompany has helped him reach the best version of his game, with greater tactical freedom at Bayern.
- With his Bayern contract entering its final 12 months, Kane is reportedly set to discuss a potential extension at the Allianz Arena.
Kane's change of heart over an England return
Speaking after receiving the European Golden Shoe on Wednesday, Kane offered a candid update on his future. He admitted that returning to England was something he once expected to do, but that desire has faded during his time in Munich.
"When I first left, for sure it was something I thought - I would definitely be coming back. That itch isn't there as much anymore. I am extremely happy here in Munich; it opened my eyes to a totally different world of football outside of England and it has made me appreciate European football even more."
Settled at Bayern Munich under Vincent Kompany
Kane's happiness extends beyond his remarkable performances on the pitch. He scored a staggering 61 goals in 51 appearances last season, helping Vincent Kompany's side secure a domestic league and cup double, while also enjoying a settled family life in Munich.
With Kane entering the final 12 months of his original four-year contract, reports suggest he is already set to begin discussing a contract extension to remain at the Allianz Arena.
The England captain believes Bayern's current setup is allowing him to produce the best football of his career. With his family settled in Munich and the team providing the ideal environment, Kane is focused on continuing his success in Germany.
"I just think the team we have here and the manager, my family is really settled here, it is just about being in the best place possible. Never say never, but for now I am concentrating on Bayern Munich and we will see what the future holds."
Kane believes he is playing the best football of his career
The numbers underline Kane's remarkable form. He scored 73 goals for club and country last season across all competitions, making it statistically the most productive period of his career.
That output has strengthened his belief that leaving London was the right decision for his development. Under Kompany, Kane feels he has become a more complete player, benefiting from a tactical system that combines defensive discipline with attacking freedom.
"I think this is the best version of myself for sure. I think last season speaks for itself, from that sense the best season in my career no doubt."
Kane also credited Kompany with taking his game to another level through Bayern's attacking style and the freedom he is given to drop deeper or arrive late in the box.
"Since the boss has come in he has elevated my game to another level. That is down to the style of play, the way we attack and the way we defend, the way he gives players freedom to sometimes receive the ball deeper and sometimes arrive late in the box."
Kane building on his Tottenham evolution
Although Bayern Munich has given Kane a new platform, the striker believes his tactical versatility was already developing during his later years at Tottenham. He pointed to his time under managers including Jose Mourinho, when he increasingly moved beyond the traditional No. 9 role and dropped deeper to influence games.
Kane also highlighted his strong relationship with Son Heung-min as part of that evolution. Now, he wants to carry his exceptional form into the new season and begin with silverware when Bayern Munich face Borussia Dortmund in the DFL-Supercup this Saturday.
"I also had a lot of this and these kind of different positions during my Tottenham career as well, especially from the [Jose] Mourinho stage onwards, it was the same sort of thing - I had freedom to come deep and get the ball and I had a great relationship with Son Heung-min."
Kane believes the combination of his experience, Bayern's squad and Kompany's system has taken his game to another level. "It has been building but I think this season with the team I have around me, the players we have and the system we play with the coach, it has just elevated me to another level."
