Harry Kane Considers Move to Saudi Arabia as Bayern Negotiations Begin
Harry Kane’s name is back in the transfer churn – and this time it is not just about the Ballon d’Or. Behind the scenes, the England captain’s camp has held talks with Al-Hilal, with the Bayern Munich striker understood to be open to a move to the Saudi Pro League at some stage in his career.
For now, though, Kane’s priority lies in Bavaria. The 33-year-old wants to stay at Bayern and discussions have already started over a new deal in Munich. If anything more than exploratory conversations with Al-Hilal is to materialise this summer, it would need to happen fast: the Bundesliga window shuts on 31 August, and any late dash east would be a major twist.
Al-Hilal eye double England raid
Al-Hilal are not limiting their ambitions to one England forward. They are also pushing for Ollie Watkins, with the Aston Villa striker reported to have agreed personal terms with the Saudi club. The key detail: Al-Hilal have yet to lodge an official bid with Villa for the 30-year-old.
There is confusion over the exact plan. Some reports suggest Watkins is Plan B, a target after a move for Kane stalled. Others insist the club want more than one centre-forward. If the Saudis get their way on both fronts, Kane and Watkins could end up scrapping for the same starting spot in Riyadh.
Gavi snubs Manchester United
One player who will not be heading to the Premier League is Gavi. Manchester United made their move, but the Spain World Cup winner has rejected the chance to join Erik ten Hag’s side and intends to remain at Barcelona.
For United supporters already restless about the lack of marquee arrivals, it is another blow. The frustration is not just about who is not coming in, but who might be leaving.
Napoli circle Zirkzee as attacking rebuild gathers pace
Napoli have turned their attention to Joshua Zirkzee, with the Italian club said to be keen on the Manchester United forward. The Netherlands international spent much of last season fighting for minutes from the bench under Michael Carrick, and Napoli sense an opportunity.
Their search for a new striker does not stop there. The Serie A side have also contacted Chelsea about Nicolas Jackson and asked Arsenal about Gabriel Jesus. Any deal for Jesus would come with a clear condition: Napoli would need to offload one of their current forwards before bringing in the Brazilian.
Milan shut the door on Loftus-Cheek bid
Elsewhere in Italy, Milan have rejected an £8.5m offer from Coventry for Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The newly promoted Premier League club wanted to tempt the 30-year-old back to England’s top flight for the first time since 2023, when he was at Chelsea.
Milan have decided that fee is nowhere near enough. Coventry will have to dig much deeper if they want to prise him away from San Siro.
Manchester City lose Rodri and turn to Wharton
Back in the Premier League, Manchester City have suffered a seismic loss in midfield. Rodri completed his move to Barcelona on Tuesday, ripping out one of the key pillars of Enzo Maresca’s side before the new manager has even settled into the dugout.
Maresca has been forced straight into the market. High on his list is Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, the England international emerging as a leading candidate to plug the gap in City’s engine room. The problem is the price. Palace’s valuation remains unclear, and City have already poured £116m into the signing of Elliot Anderson this window.
Whether City push again or pivot to a cheaper option will say plenty about how bold they are prepared to be in reshaping a midfield suddenly missing its metronome.
