On this summer Saturday, when it is finally clear that FC Bayern Munich has spent more money on a soccer player than in the other summers in its great history, a question arises that has more possible answers than one might think: why?
It is an essential feature of the modern game that the added value of the players has been increased through their mass media, international superstarization. They are no longer present just 90 minutes a week, but seven days, which is why they make more possible than goals or trophies. For some football clubs – mostly with Emirati, Qatari or Saudi Arabian investors – they are supposed to create (sports) political profit. For the other football clubs – mostly with American investors – financial gain. That’s how it is in a sport where international capital dictates.
And although you can see that in Munich, the German champion differs from many of his European competitors in this respect: On Säbener Strasse, even the powerful men are not concerned with the greatest possible profit, but with the greatest possible profit.
At least 100 million euros. FC Bayern Munich should spend that much as a transfer fee for center forward Harry Kane. Why? Because it’s about Harry Kane: captain of the England national team, the second most goalscorer in Premier League history. And because this Harry Kane should be the last piece of the puzzle to win the greatest possible again.
The price of percentage points
Of course, on Säbener Straße it’s not the German championship and of course not the DFB Cup, but the Champions League. Money will never guarantee you will win this competition – even if, like Manchester City, you combine money with genius. However, money will usually increase the probability of winning this competition.
And of course: With Harry Kane, the probability of winning for FC Bayern has increased by a few percentage points.
But what is the price of these percentage points?
At least 100 million euros as a transfer – that’s a hell of a lot: for Harry Kane’s contract with Tottenham Hotspur expiring next summer. For the fact that the club, which has an American investor with non-sporting interests, could only sell him this summer.
For the fact that the big clubs from England and Spain apparently had no concrete interest in him this summer. For turning 30 himself this July. And then there’s the contract: four years – with more than 20 million euros per year.
Is he the last piece of the puzzle?
Will it be worth it? If you argue with probabilities, you have to say: No!
After all, it is likely that Munich, even with center forward Harry Kane, will not win the Champions League this season. It’s likely he won’t be able to shoot as hard, jump as high, or sprint as fast season after season after that. And it is likely that he is not the last piece of the puzzle in this Bayern team.
Published/Updated: Recommendations: 2 Christopher Meltzer, Munich Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 8 Christopher Meltzer, Munich Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 12 Christopher Meltzer, Munich Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 12
That’s missing – that’s how coach Thomas Tuchel seems to see it – not in the middle of the attack, but in midfield.
