The future of Harry Kane is heating up the market once again. Even as the English striker thrives at Bayern Munich, a clause set to activate in 2026 has reopened the door to speculation — and sparked fresh opinions. One of the strongest came from former Tottenham defender Stephen Carr, who made it clear that a North London reunion might be the least realistic path ahead.

A Clause That Changes Everything

According to GOAL, Kane has a contract clause that would allow him to leave Bayern if an offer of around £57 million ($76M) arrives. Tottenham also hold a matching-rights provision, giving them a chance to equal any bid to bring their all-time top scorer home.

But whether the club wants him back is very different from whether Kane wants to return. At 32, with his elite goalscoring level intact, the striker remains comfortable in Germany and has been linked to European giants such as Barcelona and Real Madrid — two destinations far more glamorous than revisiting the Premier League chapter he already closed.

“Is It Ever the Same When You Return?”

Speaking to GOAL via Casino.org, Carr didn’t mince words when asked about the likelihood of Kane going back to Spurs:

“I’m not sure. He’s having incredible success in Germany. Is it ever the same when a player goes back? Normally, no.”

Carr highlighted a key difference between the Tottenham Kane left and the one he would hypothetically rejoin. The chemistry, the system, the partnerships — especially the iconic duo he formed with Son Heung-min — no longer exist.

“It would be a completely different team from the one he left,” Carr added.

And because Kane has proven he can score anywhere, Carr believes his options — should he decide to move again — would likely include some of the world’s biggest clubs:

“He’s shown he scores goals wherever he goes. He’s phenomenal.”

A Return That Could Complicate His Spurs Legacy

Beyond the tactical and professional reasons, there’s an emotional layer that can’t be ignored. Kane’s bond with the Tottenham fanbase remains flawless — almost sacred. For Carr, revisiting that chapter is inherently risky:

“He had incredible success there. He’s a legend. Even the fans understood he needed to leave to try to win something. But coming back always carries risk.”

Kane also walked away from chasing Alan Shearer’s Premier League goalscoring record, a move that signaled he was prioritizing international success and new horizons over domestic milestones.
With Kane turning 33 next summer, Tottenham would be unlikely to consider him the centerpiece of a long-term rebuild.

Bayern Don’t Want to Lose Him — and Kane Seems Just as Committed

The striker has repeatedly expressed how settled he feels in Bavaria, both professionally and personally. His contract runs through 2027, and there is already speculation about a possible extension.

Meanwhile, his numbers in Germany speak loudest:

• 110 goals in 117 matches
• Back-to-back Bundesliga Golden Boots
• League champion
• Captain and undisputed leader of England ahead of the 2026 World Cup

It’s hard to imagine a better competitive environment for a forward still hungry for trophies.

2026: A Decision That Defines the Final Chapter

When the clause activates, Kane will face three paths:

• stay where he is adored and still competing for every trophy,
• chase a new challenge at another European giant,
• or take the romantic — but risky — route back to London.

If Stephen Carr’s analysis is anything to go by, that third option sits firmly at the bottom of the list.

For now, Kane’s story continues in Munich.
And Tottenham? They remain a cherished part of his past — not necessarily his future.