FC Barcelona are already scouring the market for replacements for star striker Robert Lewandowski for the summer. The Poland captain, 37, is in the final few months of his contract and is likely to depart as a free agent at the end of the season. As such, the Blaugrana have stepped up their search for a replacement, with players such as Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid) and Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus) being lined up as targets.
The most prolific striker on the planet for one of the biggest and most successful clubs in the world, a captain of his country who could possibly lift the World Cup this summer (ending what is now 60 years of hurt), a husband with four kids who is almost universally respected by fans, opponents and his peers, and a brand ambassador for global brands thanks to deals brokered by towering Mr 15% Charlie Kane, Harry Kane has a lot going for him.
Although the season is only at its halfway point, the sporting department of FC Barcelona is already working on shaping the squad for next season. No final decisions have been taken yet, but a clear roadmap has been drawn up regarding the attacking unit. As has already been reported, Barça intend to retain Marcus Rashford's services beyond this season. The Catalans have a €30 million purchase option for the Manchester United loanee, although they might look to negotiate a lower fee.
As unrealistic as Kane's transfer may seem presently, the same could've been said in the months prior to the last time Barcelona attempted to whisk one of the best strikers in the world away from Bayern Munich. In the end, the pipe dream became a reality, as Lewandowski left Bavaria for Catalonia. Kane's situation is simply too similar to ignore.
Wow. Harry Kane ... is incredible. I faced him many times back when he was with Tottenham so I knew him on the pitch but never shared it with him. Because one thing is seeing him and the other is sharing with him in training or in the dressing room. He surprised me. He does things in training where I say to myself, 'this can't be.' He's so good. So good.
The youngster has grabbed these chances with both hands. Karl has been a game-changer for Bayern in several games during Hinrunde. The 17-year-old forward has consistently started for Bayern in the last couple of months. He became the youngest player to score three goals in the Champions League. Karl has shown great maturity in the final third when it comes to finishing the chances. He also provides the cutting edge in the final third with his crosses and exquisite passing.
The European Golden Shoe or Golden Boot was launched in 1967-68 by French newspaper L'Equipe to celebrate the leading goalscorer in league matches from the top division of a European league. European Sports Media took over the award from the 1997-98 season, deciding it would be won on a weighted points-based system, with the goals that players score multiplied by a specific number denoted by the Uefa coefficient of the league they play in.
