Harry Kane has confirmed he is staying at Tottenham Hotspur, ending Manchester City‘s long-running pursuit of the England captain.
The 28-year-old informed Spurs of his desire to leave in May and despite City boss Pep Guardiola confirming the Premier League champions’ interest in signing Kane, an agreement could not be reached between the two clubs.
Kane made his first appearance of the season in Sunday’s 1-0 win at Wolves but City were still expected to make one final push to sign him before the transfer deadline passes on Aug. 31.
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“It was incredible to see the reception from the Spurs fans on Sunday and to read some of the messages of support I’ve had in the last few weeks,” Kane posted on social media on Wednesday, ending speculation over his future.
“I will be staying at Tottenham this summer and will be 100 per cent focused on helping the team achieve success.”
It was incredible to see the reception from the Spurs fans on Sunday and to read some of the messages of support I’ve had in the last few weeks. 👏⚽
I will be staying at Tottenham this summer and will be 100% focused on helping the team achieve success. #COYS pic.twitter.com/uTN78tHlk1
— Harry Kane (@HKane) August 25, 2021
Kane’s announcement brings to an end — for now — a saga which began with the striker believing he had a verbal agreement with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy that he would be allowed to leave if a suitable bid was received.
Tottenham valued Kane in excess of £150 million and were hugely reluctant to enter into negotiations given the striker had three years left on his £200,000-a-week contract and is of central importance to the team.
Sources told ESPN that City would be willing to offer £100m and potentially include players as part of any deal, although sources at both clubs denied a formal offer was ever made.
Kane attempted to force through a transfer by reporting back late for preseason training with Spurs sources told ESPN but later issued a statement clarifying he had never refused to train.
Spurs head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has repeatedly said Kane was being treated like any other member of the squad throughout the saga, slowly being reintegrated after an extended summer break resulting from England’s run to the final of Euro 2020.
“Great news. Fantastic news for everybody,” Nuno told a news conference on Wednesday. “Since Harry joined us he has been working, so this is what we value. His attitude in training sessions has been great. It’s finished, Harry is going to be with us. He worked today, he is an option for tomorrow. Like I said, fantastic news for everybody.”
“We are all very happy. One of the best players in the world. We are all delighted to have one more option for the season ahead of us.
“I am not worried at all [about when Kane might leave]. It is day by day, he is an option for tomorrow [Spurs host Pacos de Ferreira in the second leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier]. This is the only thing and this is my only thought, try and make the best decisions to help the team tomorrow and Harry is one of the options. I am not going to say what we speak about. It is between us.”
He was not in the matchday squad when Spurs beat City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the opening weekend of the season, leading to thousands of home fans singing: “Are you watching Harry Kane?”
Kane received a more positive reception from Tottenham’s travelling supporters when making a 20-minute cameo at Molineux on Sunday and could make his first home appearance of the season on Thursday.
