Bayern pin hopes on 'messiah' Kane as Bundesliga returns

BERLIN: Bayern Munich are pinning their hopes on England captain Harry Kane to return a stuttering team fresh off their worst season in a decade to the European elite.

Bayern's 11th straight Bundesliga title failed to paper over the cracks of a side which is yet to click since the arrival of coach Thomas Tuchel in March.

Last week's signing of Kane for €100 million (US$109 million) from Premier League side Tottenham broke the German club's transfer record.

The deal also broke a long-standing promise from former boss Uli Hoeness that the club "wouldn't buy a player for 100 million even if I had the money".

But whether the 30-year-old Kane, who arrives after a successful but trophyless career in north London, can truly be Bayern's saviour remains to be seen.

Bayern limped to the title in 2022-23, winning on goal difference after Borussia Dortmund's last-day collapse to draw at home with mid-table Mainz.

Bayern's points total of 71 was their lowest since 2010-11, when the side finished third under caretaker coach Andries Jonker.

The shock firing of Julian Nagelsmann for Tuchel in March failed to have the desired effect, with Bayern knocked out of the German Cup and the Champions League soon afterwards.

Former Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic repeatedly dismissed criticisms of the team under Tuchel, saying the side needed time to get used to the Champions League-winning coach's methods.

In late May, just days before he himself was sacked, Salihamidzic told Sky: "Thomas Tuchel just needs the pre-season with the team, then everything will be better."

Early evidence however suggests Bayern have not solved their problems from last season.

On Saturday, Bayern were beaten 3-0 at home by RB Leipzig in the German Super Cup with Kane