Harry Kane’s transfer saga begins : Written by Lwando Mhobo
Every European transfer window of yesteryear has always been characterised by a long protracted transfer saga. For English Premier League clubs,this has been the seasonal archetype.
Last season,Manchester United registered their interest in Borussia Dortmund’s Englishman Jadon Sancho — their interest in him was well documented throughout the Summer transfer window of 2020/2021. Unfortunately for Manchester United,their pursuit was halted by Borussia Dortmund’s CEO Hans Joachim Watzke who did not change his strong stance on his valuation of Jadon Sancho. Jadon stayed with Die Borussen as both clubs could not agree on the player’s valuation of £100 million.
A year later,on July 1st 2021,Manchester United announced an agreement was reached between Borrussia Dortmund for the transfer of Jadon Sancho. The transfer of the former Manchester City youth team player was completed on the 23rd of July with the player signing a 5-year contract with an option of renewal putting an end to a long transfer saga.
As if they were taking turns,it is now Manchester United’s cross-town rivals,Manchester City,who are now embroiled in a transfer saga of their own which is likely to be prolonged for the remainder of the August transfer window,if a deal is not reached.
Harry Kane publicly expressed his desire to leave his boyhood club,Tottenham Hotspurs back in April,citing his club’s inability to win major trophies and failure to compete consistently at the highest level as reasons. This alerted top clubs in the Premier League to his signature, with Manchester City expressing the strongest interest for the English marksmen. Pep Guardiola is a known admirer of Harry Kane and his style of play and the Eastlands club are only a handful of clubs in world football that can realistically afford Daniel Levy’s £150 million valuation of the striker.
However,let’s take a closer look at the nature of previous big name departures at Tottenham Hotspurs.
In an attempt to force through a transfer away from a club players often do not attend training sessions as well as matches.
Following Tottenham CEO’s,Daniel Levy, stance of not wanting to sell Harry Kane for anything below the £150 million – the club’s all-time leading goal scorer did not report for pre-season training on the 1st of August 2021.
It is a move that Luka Modrić used 10 years ago back in 2011. Similarly to Harry,he believed he had a “gentlemen’s agreement” with Daniel Levy and was the subject of interest from Tottenham’s cross-town rivals Chelsea. Tottenham Hotspurs’ received 3 bids from Chelsea during that window.
Initial offers of £22m and £27m were all rebuffed by Daniel Levy and the Tottenham hierarchy. So in an attempt to force his hand,Luka then decided he won’t play in Tottenham’s opening game of the season against Manchester United,in which they ended up losing 3-0. Tottenham then received a final offer of £40m from Chelsea on deadline which they also declined. Luka Modric did not get his move. He stayed at Tottenham for another season. However,he left the following season in a £30m move to Real Madrid.
With the makings of a similar plot line to Luka Modric’s story. Will Harry Kane get his way and force through a move to Manchester City or will Daniel Levy once again show who is boss? Grab some popcorn,this Summer’s big transfer window saga has only just begun.
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