German media apologise to Harry Kane for criticising Bayern signing

A German journalist publicly apologised to England captain Harry Kane for criticising Bayern Munich's €100 million signing from Tottenham in 2023.

Kane has been sensational since arriving in Bavaria, scoring 98 goals in 103 appearances and providing 29 assists for Bayern. He has eight goals in four Bundesliga appearances this season and added a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory over Hoffenheim on Saturday, part of a run that included five goals in four days, with a midweek strike against Chelsea.

The apology came from Alfred Draxler of Bild, who had been among those who questioned whether the €100 million move offered value for money. He had argued that a 30-year-old who had not yet won a major title could be considered overpriced, noting cheaper options such as Niclas Fullkrug. Draxler said his view had shifted in light of Kane's sustained form for Bayern, referencing eight goals in four league appearances this season and a string of high-profile performances, including the hat-trick against Hoffenheim.

Kane's Bayern contract runs through 2027, giving him two years left on the deal. Bayern have brought in Nicolas Jackson on loan from Chelsea with an obligation to buy next summer, a move viewed as a potential pathway to Kane's eventual successor. Raphael Honigstein, speaking on talkSPORT, described the Jackson arrangement as designed to complement Kane rather than immediately displace him, while acknowledging Kane's extraordinary form. 'There is absolutely no chance that Jackson will displace Kane. He will have to play alongside him, ahead of him or give Kane a rest in a game or two,' Honigstein said. The commentary suggested that Jackson could yet serve as a future option or successor as Bayern weigh their long-term planning.

Kane remains among the Premier League's all-time leading scorers, sitting second with 213 goals. He would need 48 more to overtake all-time leader Alan Shearer, a milestone that continues to influence conversations about his future as Bayern evaluates contract extensions and potential transfer options in the coming years.