Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane is reportedly being targeted by La Liga giant Real Madrid.
According to Spanish broadcaster, Cadena Sur Real is looking at Kane (Spanish), as a possible headline reinforcer in the coming week. This expensive purchase would be offset by Eden Hazard moving the other way.
Real would benefit from a Kane-like goalscoring record. The record goalscorer for England and Tottenham, Kane, virtually takes the burden off Karim Benzema and future-proofs Real's attack before the arrival of the Brazilian teenager Endrick.
Kane's career is enriched by a move to Madrid, even though he has been a loyal, but trophy-less, hero in north London for more than a decade. It also offers a great opportunity to win silverware almost instantly. What about Tottenham itself? It could benefit more than anyone. It may be difficult to see right now.
Spurs' number ten is a goal that must be maintained with each passing season. Or else, it will sink. If you look at the numbers, this is a good conclusion. Kane is not in the elite group of the world's most valuable players, but he has been a constant contender for the Golden Boot. It's frightening to think of how far Tottenham would fall without his contribution.
The team is still far from achieving tangible success, despite the fact that it keeps its central striker. It has sporadically reached the top European tournaments, but its most recent attempt to glory ended with a Champions League Final defeat against Liverpool in 2004. Overall, the trend has been predictable - a team lacking the competitive edge and mentality to thrive, as was brutally exposed by its last permanent coach Antonio Conte's press conference outburst earlier in the season. Its last award was over 15 years ago.
It needs to be rethought. It already has some powerful tools at its disposal. Its state-of-the-art stadium, which is revenue-generating and long-term in nature, is one of the best on the continent. Son Heung Min, a South Korean winger, is a highly marketable personality. These plus signs are not enough to create a winning formula. Kane is no different.
Selling Kane from a sporting perspective seems counterintuitive. In reality, Kane is neither the problem nor the solution. It's clear that if he's open to a transfer, the fan-favorite brings in a lot of money. If he leaves for more than EUR80 million ($86) then those earnings can be used to re-energize the squad on the transfer market and attract the many characters Spurs needs to become a formidable side. Or, assemble the right infrastructure and staff to bring success.
It must first find a coach. Ange Postocoglou, the former Australian national team coach and Celtic manager, is high on the list of candidates after a failed attempt at luring Feyenoord title-winning Arne slot. The next appointment is crucial in terms of soccer pedigree. It is more important to find someone who excels in that position. Spurs managers rarely excelled under chairman Daniel Levy.
Tottenham's purpose should extend beyond Kane for the time being. It is not enough for one player to win titles, no matter how magnificent he may be. Strategic planning is required to challenge or even get close to the behemoth known as Manchester City in the Premier League and Europe. It may seem absurd, but if Spurs could cash in on Kane to start something bigger, more significant than what Real or Manchester United can gain from him, it might be the boost they need.
