The Harry Kane effect! Why Bayern Munich hitman makes transfer for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz this summer unlikely - explained

The Bavarians spent over €100 million (£86m/$110m) for the English striker in the summer of 2023 to add firepower in attack. Although Kane has been absolutely phenomenal in his debut season in Germany, scoring 40 goals in 41 matches across competitions, Bayern have had to surrender their Bundesliga title to Leverkusen and were knocked out of the DFB Pokal Cup in the second round.

After an underwhelming domestic season, Bayern are looking to further strengthen their squad and have zeroed in on Wirtz, according to Sky Germany. However, Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro had earlier revealed that the club would sell the player for no less than €150m (£128m) in the summer since he has a contract with the club until 2027. And the price tag is proving to be a major stumbling block for Bayern who are not willing to spend such a massive amount after breaking the bank for Kane.

Former Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness told Frankfurter Allgemeine: "We can spend 100 million euros once for a Harry Kane, maybe once more for a German player, but not four or five times.“

Wirtz remains keen to continue at Bay Arena for at least another year. However, if Bayern can meet the demands of Leverkusen, which will go down in 2025, then they can lure him to Munich next summer. Nonetheless, it will not be an easy task as the 20-year-old has plenty of suitors in Europe including Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Liverpool.

Wirtz has been in sensational form this season, with 17 goals and 19 assists in 43 matches across competitions, which has helped him grab eyeballs across the continent. He will look to add to his ever-increasing tally when Leverkusen host Stuttgart on Saturday evening.