With new contracts settled for Eric Dier, Delle Ali and Christian Eriksen, Tottenham now turns its attention to Harry Kane, with the English forward looking to improve his wages after cementing his place as one of the Premier League’s top forwards.
The England international signed a deal in February last year to last until 2020, but Tottenham are now stalling to meet the demands of their striker, a heedless risk that could see Spurs lose him to higher-spending rivals.
Most estimates place Kane in the mid-tier of Tottenham’s wage structure, as he reportedly earns £60,000 a week.
This figure places his wages under those of teammates Kyle Walker, Victor Wanyama, Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld, Hugo Lloris, Christian Eriksen, Moussa Dembele, Son Heung-min and Moussa Sissoko.
Justifiable demands
Kane is one of the most important players on the team, yet he earning less than Son, his backup striker.
The player is reportedly seeking an increase to £120,000, a justifiable amount compared to the wages of other strikers of similar or lower ability.
Such a wage increase would put Kane’s earnings equal with fellow England international Daniel Sturridge, even though the Liverpool striker has failed to score a single league goal all season, with only eight in the last season and four the year prior.
Kane’s desired wages are still far less than the £185,000 Diego Costa earns at Chelsea, an indication of the wages expected by top Premier League strikers.
Key figure
Kane’s efforts last season helped guide Spurs into Champions League qualification with a league leading 25 goals, following up on a previous season where he netted 21 times.
After two successive 20+ goal seasons, Kane has ensured that he is one of the most feared strikers in the Premiership and proven himself a worthy wage investment.
Kane was injured at early points in the season and Spurs originally fared well with Son leading the attack, but Kane’s presence was soon sorely missed and Spurs began to struggle for goals, causing the points haul to dry up at alarming frequency.
Sticking point
If money is a major sticking point for Tottenham, there are simply too few options to replace Kane should Spurs fail to secure his services for the future.
Top strikers do not come cheap.
There is little chance of Costa leaving Chelsea or Aguero exiting Manchester City, and Everton paid £28 million for Lukaku’s services, a figure that has surely skyrocketed as the Belgian has improved and impressed.
In La Liga, Messi and Suarez lead in goals, and they are certainly off the table. A player like Antoine Griezmann, rumoured to leave Atletico at the end of the season, would cost a fortune, and his wages are reportedly over £112,000 already.
Spurs themselves have previously overpaid for a flop striker, signing Roberto Soldado for £26 million in 2013. He scored a paltry seven league goals in 52 games.
Keeping Kane happy a must for Spurs
Very few players can replicate Kane’s production, and the chances of another high-costing failure are too large to risk.
With that lesson in mind, keeping Kane happy should be a priority at White Hart Lane.
Reports suggest that Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid have their sights set on Kane in light of stalling negotiations.
Regardless of how true this is, clubs are certain to come for Kane’s signature in the summer should Tottenham not meet the striker’s wishes.
It is without doubt that other European giants see the value in the Premier League top scorer – if only Tottenham possessed such clarity.
Written by Matthew Schattner
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