Daily Schmankerl: FC Barcelona makes Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane its No. 1 transfer target; Liverpool confident with BVB’s Nico Schlotterbeck; Real Madrid keeping close eye on Dayot Upamecano; Arsenal wants Karim Adeyemi; and MORE!
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has a contract that runs until 2027, but he has an exit for this summer – if he lets the Bavarians know in January.
One club already trying to position themselves for a move is Hansi Flick’s FC Barcelona, who have – allegedly – made Kane their top priority for the summer 2026 transfer window:
Barcelona are interested in Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, according to The Guardian. The La Liga club have reportedly made the 32-year-old their No. 1 priority in their search for the ideal successor to Robert Lewandowski, 37, who is expected to be out of contract in June. Kane’s impressive form has seen him score 23 goals in 16 matches in all competitions this season, and a clause in his contract allows him to be signed for a fee in the region of €65 million this summer.
It seems unlikely that Kane would consider a move at this point, but there are many variables, including opportunity, money and family. Any decision Kane makes will need to be carefully considered.
The Englishman is in the middle of a terrific season and the mood is extremely high. Simply put, there is no real reason for him to consider leaving Bayern Munich in 2026. The transfer game can turn quickly, however.
While it looks good now and most fans expect him to finish out his current contract (even this writer, who initially thought Kane would be deployed in 2026), a lot can change between now and July.
Bayern Munich and France central defender Dayot Upamecano was asked to list the most difficult attackers he has faced and here is what he came up with:
Harry Kane
Robert Lewandowski
Ousmane Dembélé
Kylian Mbappé
Serhou Guirassy
It all made sense, except maybe Guirassy, who was an interesting name for the roster. No hard knock against Guirassy, but he is at least a notch (probably two) below the others.
Liverpool could be happy with their potential pursuit of Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck:
Liverpool have received a boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck, according to Bild. It is reported that the 25-year-old is unhappy with the style of play deployed by manager Niko Kovac and is refusing to sign a new contract at the club. Schlotterbeck, who will enter the final year of his contract this summer, is on the Reds’ shortlist as they continue their search for a centre-back, but they could face competition from Bayern Munich.
Schlotterbeck will be a major target for many clubs this summer, but BVB might really be willing to let him out of his current contract, which ends in 2027. Even if he wants to go to Liverpool, Bayern Munich or elsewhere, it might not be easy.
Former Bayern Munich academy star Kenan Yildiz has quickly become one of the most sought-after players in all of Europe. Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea are all said to be interested in the Juventus star:
A battle between Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea is set to take place for the signing of Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Contract negotiations are reported to have stalled after a recent meeting, with the 20-year-old seeking a deal worth around €6 million per season. The Bianconeri have now suspended negotiations with Yildiz’s representatives, but they will demand a transfer fee in excess of €100 million if they fail to sign him to an extension, as several clubs are monitoring the situation.
Real Madrid will continue to monitor Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano among their top candidates starting in January:
After closely following Ibrahima Konate for most of the season so far, it appears that Real Madrid have recently changed their preferences. Instead of Liverpool defender Konate, Real Madrid have set their sights on compatriot Dayot Upamecano, whose contract at Bayern Munich expires at the end of the season.
Upamecano is highly regarded in the Real Madrid camp, with recent reports suggesting that Konate is no longer a priority for Los Blancos. This has now been confirmed by Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, who suggests that Real Madrid are indeed closely monitoring Dayot Upamecano’s progress.
The Spanish giants are aware they could be handed a market opportunity if Upamecano fails to negotiate a deal with Bayern Munich. The Bavarians, for their part, are keen to keep the French international, who joined the RB Leipzig club in 2021.
Arsenal could throw their hat to Borussia Dortmund striker Karim Adeyemi:
Arsenal have entered the race to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Karim Adeyemi, TEAMtalk reports. The Germany international has been heavily linked with Manchester United and Barcelona, following a strong start to the Bundesliga season. However, Arsenal have now reportedly made contact with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes. BVB attempted to secure the 23-year-old’s long-term future earlier this year with a contract extension, but negotiations broke down after the club rejected his request for a release clause. His current contract is set to expire in 2027, potentially opening the door for a transfer next summer.
Adeyemi could be a huge loss for BVB, but it still looks like he’s set for a longer stay at Dortmund.