Barça See Kane as Ideal Younger Replacement for Lewandowski, May Activate Release Clause

La Liga giants Barcelona have identified Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane as their top target to strengthen the center-forward position next summer.

Barcelona have listed Harry Kane as their primary target to replace Robert Lewandowski next summer. The Spanish giants believe the 32-year-old England captain is the ideal younger replacement for the 37-year-old Lewandowski (whose contract expires in June) and plan to activate the release clause in Kane’s contract with Bayern Munich—a fee that would have allowed a transfer for £57 million this summer.

Since joining Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur for £100 million in August 2023, Kane has enjoyed tremendous success, scoring 108 goals in 113 games. In September last year, he became the fastest player to score 100 goals for a single club in Europe’s top five leagues this century. In May this year, he played a key role in Bayern’s reclaiming of the Bundesliga title, ending his personal trophy drought.

Kane stated last month that he was willing to stay at Bayern beyond his contract expiration in June 2027. However, the prospect of joining another top club in the world and competing for more major honors could persuade him to move to Camp Nou. Notably, Barcelona already have England international Marcus Rashford in their squad—a forward on loan from Manchester United with a £30 million buyout clause in his contract.

Additionally, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has ruled out the possibility of Argentine legend Lionel Messi returning. Messi’s visit to Camp Nou this week sparked speculation about a comeback, but Laporta made it clear to Camel Live: "Out of respect for Messi, the current players and the members, this is not the time to hype up unrealistic scenarios."