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Harry Kane Bayern Munich Jonah Kusi-Asare splitGetty/Twitter/GOAL

Harry Kane’s No.9 shirt under threat?! Why Bayern Munich newboy Jonah Kusi-Asare was presented with prized jersey & what it means for England forward

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Kusi-Asare signs with Bayern
  • 16-year-old given No.9 shirt
  • Will wear prized jersey for U-19 side
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The England international has made that squad number his own since joining from Tottenham in the summer, where he famously wore the No.10 shirt. Kane has broken numerous Bundesliga records so far this term and is already on 23 league goals for the season after just 19 games. Bayern revealed on deadline day that they had locked down Kane's potential long-term successor, with the signing of Kusi-Asare from AIK Solna for €4.5 million (£3.8m/$4.9m). But eagle-eyed fans noticed the 16-year-old holding up Kane's prized squad number on signing day.

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  • Harry Kane Bayern 2023-24Getty Images

    THE EXPLANATION

    Any confusion is quite easily cleared up, as Kane will continue to wear the No.9 shirt that has brought him such success this term. Kusi-Asare's squad number refers to his place in Bayern's U19 set up, where he will play the remainder of the season to gain vital experience. Technically, both forwards are Bayern No.9s, Kusi-Asare for the men's U19 side and Kane, still, for the men's senior team.

  • Jamal Musiala FC Bayern 12012024Getty

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Kusi-Asare's No.9 shirt is only relevant to the aforementioned youth side, meaning he will be given a different squad number if he breaks through to the first team. This was most recently the case with former Chelsea academy graduate Jamal Musiala, who wore the No.10 shirt at youth level before being handed the No.42 on his senior debut.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Footy Headlines reports that Kusi-Asare would likely be given a squad number above 40 if he does break through, owing to his status as a Bayern youth player.

  • Bayern Munich 2023-24Getty

    WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN?

    While the young Swedish forward gets some minutes in Die Roten's U19 set-up, Kane and Co. are battling to retain their Bundesliga crown. The ex-Spurs star was recently criticised for leaving the north London club in pursuit of silverware only to be bested by Bayer Leverkusen at every corner so far this term.