John Wenham: Daniel Levy should resist selling the ‘face of Tottenham’ Harry Kane
Tottenham News is delighted to welcome John Wenham of Lilywhite Rose as our exclusive columnist. Each week, he’ll be giving his expert insight on the biggest talking points at Spurs…
Tottenham striker Harry Kane staying in North London is worth more than a fee of £100million to the club, according to John Wenham.
As reported by The Guardian (7 August), Tottenham rejected Bayern Munich’s third bid of £86million for their record goalscorer and the German giants must now return with a higher offer or will be forced to give up on their pursuit.
The 30-year-old talisman reportedly wants his future clarified before Spurs’ Premier League opener against Brentford on Sunday 13 August.
And Wenham believes that Levy should gamble by keeping hold of Kane, who can thrive in Ange Postecoglou’s system, even though he doesn’t necessarily believe he will sign a new deal if he stays beyond the summer transfer window.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham said: “I still think we’ll generate £100million from keeping him in terms of him being the face of Tottenham, in terms of marketing appeal, sponsors, and the whole identity of the club.
“Added to the fact that we’re more likely to finish in a European space with Kane at the club, under Ange, playing this attacking football, more chances will be created for him and the fact that he scored 30 goals in an Antonio Conte defensive formation, shows what he could do.
“I believe Bayern Munich will not get up to the figure Tottenham require, which I think is a fair figure of £100million, and for Tottenham’s sake even if they did, I personally think they’d be better just keeping him for a year.
“If you’ve got a one per cent chance of keeping Harry Kane and convincing him to stay if he sees progress being made, then you’ve got to take that gamble.
“This is the second time a team has publicly made it clear they’re after Kane, both times neither club have offered the money. Manchester City in 2021 spent £100million on Jack Grealish and their final offer for Kane was around £75million when he had three years to go on his contract.
“This time round, we’re hearing Bayern put in opening bids of £55million or £65million, which is nowhere near enough for somebody that is the best number nine in world football.
“I just think for Tottenham’s sake, unless it gets to that £100million, I think Kane will stay for the season, but I don’t see him then suddenly renewing, I know that’s been given as an angle in the media.
“For his sake, it would be worth letting it run till January, seeing what else is out there, who wouldn’t? If for example a Real Madrid comes forward, for me, that’s a club that every player should aspire to play for, so he’ll want to keep his options open.
“But I certainly don’t see Bayern Munich coming up with enough money to make Tottenham warrant the sale with it being worthwhile for them to do so.”
In other Tottenham News, finance expert Dan Plumley has discussed the impact of Joe Lewis’ legal troubles, to which he has pleaded not guilty, on Spurs.