Pep Guardiola has cast fresh doubts over a transfer for Tottenham striker Harry Kane suggesting in the current financial climate such a move could be impossible.
The Mirror published some quotes from Pep Guardiola’s interview with TV3 regarding transfer plans and targets for the summer. The Manchester City boss responded with some straightforward answers while casting doubts over the club’s chances of landing Tottenham striker Harry Kane.
Manchester City’s perception of steamrolling their way through preferred transfer targets has linked them directly with moves for some of the most pricey players. The likes of Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish have all been linked with City, as was Lionel Messi at some point. However, Guardiola insists that they may not be in a position to make a big-money signing.
Ever since Harry Kane reportedly told Tottenham his desire to quit and play his football elsewhere, the England captain has been linked heavily with Man City. The Premier League champions certainly are interested, but in line with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy’s demands of nearly £150 million, a transfer might be impossible.
Additionally, the pandemic has crippled clubs financially owing to not earning proper matchday revenue for the entire season. Even with Manchester City’s history of spending big sums on transfers, Guardiola insists his club may not find the suitable resources to prise someone like Kane to the team.
He was quoted saying, “At the prices, we are not going to buy any strikers, it is impossible, we cannot afford it. It is impossible. All clubs are struggling financially; we are not an exception. We have Gabriel [Jesus], Ferran [Torres], who has been incredible in this position, we have young players in the academy, we play many times with a false nine.
“I don’t know what is going to happen. Maybe we are going to buy, but maybe we are not going to buy a striker for next season. Today there is more chance we aren’t going to buy a striker for next season.”
Those quotes are strong enough to suggest a transfer for Harry Kane could be on hold, and there could be a possibility the England captain plays on for Tottenham in the upcoming season. Chelsea and Manchester United are the only other club that can potentially afford Kane. Tottenham won’t sell to Chelsea, and United just purchased Jadon Sancho.
In those circumstances, Man City were the only viable club that can realistically afford Kane. City also reportedly offered around £100 million cash and a player for Kane, but Spurs remain interested in a cash-only deal. It remains to be seen whether the Premier League champions end up not signing anyone to replace Sergio Aguero.
