Understanding the “gentleman’s clause”, why Tottenham faces hurdles bringing Harry Kane back instantly

In the summer of 2023, Tottenham reluctantly allowed their all-time leading goal scorer, Harry Kane, to join Bayern Munich in a high-value transfer.

Why Harry Kane Cant Return To Hotspurs
Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images

Tottenham reluctantly consented to parting ways with their top goal scorer of all time during a significant transfer to Germany in the summer of 2023. Despite Kane’s impressive goal-scoring record in Munich, where he has netted 37 times, there are concerns that he may once again miss out on major trophies.

Speculation has arisen about the possibility of the England captain hastily returning to the Premier League, despite having a contract in place until 2027. Daniel Levy had previously suggested in September that Spurs retained a form of buy-back option on Kane, implying a potential return to north London at some point.

However, there is no concrete clause in place to facilitate such a move. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, when discussing potential deal terms favorable to Tottenham, explained on The Spurs Chat Podcast: “More than a traditional buy-back clause, from what I’m hearing it’s more of a gentleman’s agreement between the clubs where if they decide to sell Harry Kane in the future, Tottenham will be made aware of the decision. This is the discussion that took place between Bayern and Tottenham, but it’s not a traditional buy-back clause where you can go there and put down the money and the player is coming back the following day, I don’t think it’s an automatic clause, but more of a gentleman’s agreement.”

Despite spending months in a hotel before his family joined him in Germany, Kane has not hinted at a desire to return to England. At present, his focus remains steadfast on clinching his first major trophy while representing Bayern.

Harry Kane

Harry Kane

Forwarder, Midfielder

EnglandEngland

Age: 31

188 cm

86 kg

Season 2023/2024
Played 31 0 Missed
Minutes 2754 88.8 Avg
Goals 35 1.1 Avg
Assist 8 0.3 Avg
Attempt 50 1.6 Avg
Passes 602 19.472.2% AvgSucc
Yellow 2 0.1 Avg
Red 0 0.0 Avg

This season he played in total 27 times for 2394 minutes for Bundesliga.

Harry Kane  scored 31 goals for FC Bayern München. He procured 7 assists. He received 2 yellow cards and no red cards.

His team is currently 2nd in Bundesliga. In the last match FC Bayern München lost 2-0 against Borussia Dortmund. The next match in Bundesliga will be against TSG Hoffenheim.

FC Bayern München performance and stats

FC Bayern München

Manager: Thomas Tuchel
Rank 2nd
Win 22
Draw 3
Loss 6
Goals 89-38
Diff 51
Rank 1st
Win 5
Draw 1
Loss 0
Goals 12-6
Diff 6
This season

FC Bayern München is currently 2nd in the Bundesliga with 60 points.

In the last 27 games, it has won 19 times, drawn 3 times, and lost 5 times. In its last match, FC Bayern München lost 0-2 against Borussia Dortmund.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 78 goals and conceding 33.​

FC Bayern München will play the next match in Bundesliga against TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday 18th of May in Marbella.​

Tottenham Hotspur performance and stats

Tottenham Hotspur

Manager: Angelos Postecoglou
Rank 5th
Win 18
Draw 6
Loss 9
Goals 67-52
Diff 15

Tottenham Hotspur is currently 5th in the Premier League with 56 points.

In the last 29 games, it has won 17 times, drawn 5 times, and lost 7 times. In its last match, Tottenham Hotspur won 2-1 against Luton Town.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 61 goals and conceding 43.​

Tottenham Hotspur will play the next match in Premier League against West Ham United on Tuesday 2nd of April in London. The prediction is Tottenham Hotspur winning the match.​