Having recently secured his first major title as a professional, Harry Kane and Bayern Munich are gearing up for the Club World Cup in the United States, aiming for more than just another trophy.
The 31-year-old striker has often faced criticisms for not winning a team honour during his 15-year career, despite accumulating a wealth of individual accolades. However, Kane finally achieved that milestone this season when Bayern clinched the Bundesliga title.
A triumph in the Club World Cup would not only add to Bayern’s already impressive trophy collection but would also provide a significant financial boon for the German club.
FIFA has established a staggering $1 billion prize pool for the newly expanded tournament, with the victor poised to earn approximately $125 million.
Much like other top European teams in the competition, Bayern has been handed a relatively straightforward path through the group stages.
The German giants will kick off their campaign against Auckland City in Cincinnati this Sunday, before concluding the group stage with encounters against Boca Juniors in Miami and Benfica in Charlotte.
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‘One of the favourites’
Even though Bayern’s financial muscle surpasses all but a few European rivals, the financial incentives from the Club World Cup could be crucial in a time of uncertainty for the club.
Despite reclaiming the Bundesliga title from Bayer Leverkusen, who ended Bayern’s 11-year reign last season, the club is on the brink of a significant rebuild this summer.
Florian Wirtz, a highly sought-after midfielder, has rejected Bayern’s interest, seemingly set for a transfer to Premier League side Liverpool.
With veteran Thomas Muller leaving after the Club World Cup and wingers Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman also rumoured to be departing, Bayern will need to bolster their attacking options during the upcoming transfer window.
In defence, Eric Dier has departed, while Kim Min-jae, Dayot Upamecano, and Hiroki Ito have all been managing long-term injuries recently.
The club’s acquisitions of free-agent German players Jonathan Tah, a centre-back, and midfielder Tom Bischof have addressed two critical areas, and at a minimal cost.
Both players were released early by their former clubs, Leverkusen and Hoffenheim, allowing Bayern to quickly bring them on board for their US trip.
Following his recent successful outings for England, where he scored twice against Andorra and Senegal, Kane heads to the US with optimism for further silverware.
“We’re certainly one of the favourites. I think this season has shown what kind of a team we are,” Kane remarked to Germany’s TZ newspaper on Wednesday.
“On a good day, we can beat any opponent in the world.”
Kane noted that the squad is “taking the tournament seriously and preparing well,” despite the exhausting season they have already endured.
“It’s a new format with the best teams in the world competing. I’m delighted to be part of it because it’s an exciting opportunity.”
‘Ready to rumble’
While Kane may now boast a single team title, his strike partner Muller is set on becoming the most decorated German footballer in history.
Muller is currently level with retired Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos at 34 team trophies but can overtake his former teammate by winning his third Club World Cup.
The veteran secured his two previous titles in 2014 and 2021, during the previous format of the competition.
At 35, Muller has declared his intention to remain with Bayern, despite 25 years at the club. He has stated that the decision for his departure was made solely by the club, but he has not let this overshadow his farewell.
As Bayern embarked on their journey to the United States, Muller shared in a social media video: “Of course we want to win this thing.”
“Ready to rumble. Full throttle for the title. Let’s go, FC Bayern.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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