Three potential Harry Kane replacements Tottenham can consider

Harry Kane has thrown Tottenham into the market for a new striker as we look at some potential replacement options.

Tottenham have done some incredible business after an unfortunate season under their belt. After a period of high spirits under Antonio Conte, which led them to a fourth-placed finish, they surrendered the momentum for a lowly eight-placed end to a campaign described as disastrous.

Ange Postecoglou may have arrived with some doubts. But the Australian has been clear about his ambitions and plans for the team. The former Celtic boss was not Tottenham’s first choice, nor would he have been any of the other top teams. But this is a manager with progressive ideas, as seen in Scotland, albeit for a brief period.

In an issue that has plagued former Tottenham managers in the last few years, Postecoglou has inherited the Harry Kane saga onto his head. Two years ago, Spurs were in the same boat with their star striker, who undertook a mini-strike to force a move to Manchester City.

This time around, the unfamiliar name of Bayern Munich has troubled Tottenham in a similar vein as Manchester City did two years back. For some reason, the Bavarians have been pushing very hard to secure the England captain and have convinced the 30-year-old to change clubs.

Bayern running out of time to sign Harry Kane, who wants future clarified before season starts. Thomas Tuchel's been obsessed with getting Kane, & a new bid within 24 hours likely. Bayern going to have to up their offer to close to €120m with a significant portion guaranteed.⚪️ pic.twitter.com/ey4wwA3mvX

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 9, 2023

Tottenham and Daniel Levy have lived up to their age-old reputation of notorious negotiators and have seemed undeterred by Bayern’s advances. There is a big question about how much it would take to tempt Spurs into selling Kane.

Contrasting reports have stated figures between £100-120 million. But more clarity on a specific number is needed. The range of bids from Bayern Munich tends to show Tottenham have not told them a particular figure, and hence they have not cracked the code.

At the time of writing, Kane may lean towards staying at Tottenham as the deadline the striker is edging closer. Bayern have seen at least three bids rejected by Spurs, with the last one amounting to £85 million.

They are expected to make a fourth bid, possibly their final one, to conclude this saga, with reports suggesting it could be more than £94 million. If Tottenham are to reject that, they risk colossal money and head into the season with their striker’s future hanging by the thread.

There were suggestions that Kane might even ponder signing a new contract if he sees progress in the first few months under Postecoglou. Yet, there is an immense feeling the 30-year-old might finally move out of Tottennham on a Bosman move next summer if he starts the season in north London.

So, irrespective of whether he leaves or stays, Spurs must plan for the future and have replacement options shortlisted. Here we look at some obvious choices, including one that has been playing under his shadow for the last 12 months.

Randal Kolo Muani

Like Tottenham, Eintracht Frankfurt have remained adamant about their asking price for Randal Kolo Muani. They continue to demand around £80-90 million for the 2022 FIFA World Cup finalist, who narrowly missed out on clinching the World Cup for his country in Qatar.

Randal Kolo Muani is a player #mufc were definitely interested in. Some people at United were really pushing for him, but Ten Hag is absolutely set on Rasmus Hojlund [@AndyMitten] pic.twitter.com/qM9rTKsSV0

— utdreport (@utdreport) August 3, 2023

The 24-year-old seems open to a new challenge, possibly in the Premier League. Many clubs were interested in the Frenchman earlier in the window, but the striker’s market had not evolved then. Moreover, Frankfurt’s asking price seems too high for any club to make Kolo Muani their top target.

He has the talent and personality to make the highest grade. But many interested clubs have looked away from this transfer. For Tottenham, he could become a solid option in the current window if Harry Kane departs.

It’s not like Frankfurt will reject a considerable bid. But Spurs will be more confident in the latter stages of the window. He has the goalscoring prowess to cover for the England captain, but not to the levels of Kane, who has had at least four 30-goal seasons during his time in north London.

The price point will prove crucial for Tottenham and the competition from rivals like Chelsea and Manchester United for the striker. There are chances many clubs like Real Madrid or Chelsea might look at him, while Manchester United had previously contacted him. But it is unclear if they are still a part of the chase after signing Rasmus Hojlund.

Chelsea, for instance, are still in the market for a new No.9. They are in talks with Juventus over a Romelu Lukaku-Dusan Vlahovic part-exchange deal. But if that move fails, Kolo Muani might become a big target for the Blues. Hence, Spurs must decide on Kane as soon as possible. They could find a suitable replacement with some time in hand, and Kolo Muani seems like one.

Jonathan David

The LOSC Lille star was earmarked for a big move last summer and even in January. And he could leave for around £45-55 million in the current market. Yet, despite multiple links, only some clubs have come forward with firm interest.

🚨📋 #Tottenham, Jonathan #David remains a top target to replace Harry #Kane in the event of his farewell: everything confirmed. ✅

📌 #Lille ask for ~€50/60m to evaluate proposals for the 🇨🇦 striker.

⏳ Evolving situation. 🐓⚽ #LOSC #Transfers https://t.co/0pGLpUhs8h pic.twitter.com/1tUdgIdj2l

— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) August 4, 2023

The Canadian striker finished another prolific season in Ligue 1 and as the division’s third-highest goalscorer behind Kylian Mbappe and Alexandre Lacazette. Tottenham remain linked with him amid the Kane-Bayern saga. As for his profile, David is a pure goalscorer with a stellar work rate, which could make him the ideal replacement.

His attributes could benefit Spurs, while his price range would provide optimism for Tottenham in the bid to sign him. The only factor that could point towards his disappearing act in many big games might cause Tottenham points.

David might get the nod to replace Kane for his goalscoring prowess alone. But the Premier League is a different animal to Ligue 1. He is not at the top of their list despite reports that Tottenham prioritises a move for the Canadian.

Hence, Tottenham should only consider a move if Kane leaves, possibly in the latter stages of the window, when his price could fall. David or Kolo Muani would improve Tottenham, but there are doubts about their lack of experience in the Premier League.

Richarlison

There is ample coverage and suggestions in the media about replacements should Kane leave Tottenham. But only some have considered an internal option. Richarlison, at the back of a terrible season since making his £60 million move to Spurs last summer, could be the best option to replace the England captain.

For what it is worth, if Kane leaves, I think Tottenham will be fine with Richarlison as the striker next season. He was already capable of scoring 10+ goals a season at a struggling Everton. In a better, more attacking side, he could easily score 15-20 goals! 🇧🇷 #THFC #COYS pic.twitter.com/iu0R2plzxO

— Bearridge 🇦🇺 (@Bearridge_) July 31, 2023

He played with more freedom at Everton, so his numbers were stellar. At Tottenham, he was constantly playing in the shadow of Kane and possibly others in different front-three positions. Conte and other managers who came later could not find a starting spot for the Brazilian, who continues to lead the line for his country ahead of Gabriel Jesus.

Real Madrid were also considering a move for Richarlison earlier in the window. But there is little talk of a movement. The ideal scenario for Spurs would be around giving Richarlison the keys to the Kane role and moulding him into a deadly frontman.

There are barely any doubts about the striker assuming the role, and he has proven his worth at Everton. For Richarlison, it is all about consistency and the regularity at which he plays. The one-goal Premier League season was an unfortunate anomaly for the Brazilian, which he wishes does not repeat.

Tottenham have agreed on a move for Argentine forward Alejo Veliz, who could play the perfect second choice to Richarlison in the Tottenham pecking order. Moreover, if Kane leaves, Spurs need not rush into the market for a readymade replacement paying high fees.

Instead, they can rely on their Brazilian to produce the goods and take them to a better finish than last season. Hence, Richarlison is the best Kane replacement if the England captain departs for Bayern. If he does end up staying, then Postecoglou should look to involve the former Everton talisman more, especially if their star striker has eyes on a free transfer next season.