Harry Kane just broke England's all-time World Cup scoring record. Now, he's attracting attention away from the pitch too. Barcelona has contacted Kane's representatives to explore a possible move after the 2026 World Cup.
The club is expected to revisit the situation once England's tournament is over, but there is no indication that Kane is looking to leave Bayern Munich. In fact, his camp is expected to focus on contract talks once the World Cup ends.
Barcelona's Push for Kane After Losing Lewandowski
Barcelona's search for a new striker has accelerated following Robert Lewandowski's agreement to join MLS side Chicago Fire after his contract expired. His departure leaves Hansi Flick without an established centre-forward, forcing the club into the market for a high-level replacement.
The Catalan giants view the England captain as the only player capable of providing the same guaranteed output in front of goal, something Flick's system relies on. Kane succeeded Lewandowski at Bayern, and could now do the same at Barcelona.
Even with their financial limitations, Barca are exploring ways to finance a move for the striker, who has entered the final year of his contract at Bayern.
Kane's Camp Shut Down the Initial Approach
Barcelona's interest, however, ran into an immediate wall. Sources say Kane's representatives quickly ruled out the possibility of a move after the club made contact. The decision is hardly surprising. Kane has already indicated he is open to discussing a new contract with Die Roten.
"In terms of staying longer, I could definitely see that," Kane said. "I have not had those conversations with Bayern yet, but if they were to arise, I would be willing to talk and have an honest conversation."
Bayern's position is equally firm. Their honorary president Uli Hoeness has dismissed suggestions of a sale, arguing Barcelona cannot afford such a deal and insisting the club has no intention of selling a player he recently described as their best-ever signing.
Why Harry Kane Remains One Of Europe's Elite Strikers
Barcelona's pursuit is hardly surprising when you look at Kane's output this season. Kane has scored 70 goals in the 2025-26 season for club and country, placing him second only to Lionel Messi on the list of most goals scored in a single season in the 21st century.
Only Messi's extraordinary 2011-12 campaign of 82 goals sits above Kane's tally. Kane's remarkable season has carried over into the 2026 World Cup. Kane became England's all-time leading World Cup goalscorer, surpassing Gary Lineker's previous record of 10 goals, with his 11th strike against Panama.
He also scored a brace against Croatia in England's opening match, the first coming from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic came off his line, with Kane making no mistake from the retake.
Having already scored three times in the group stage, Kane's attention is fixed on England's last-32 clash with DR Congo in Atlanta. Speaking after reaching 11 World Cup goals, Kane told BBC Sport: "The World Cup is the biggest competition we play as professional footballers, so to get to 11 goals is a proud feeling."
