Bayern Munich Reportedly Eyeing Harry Kane as Potential Transfer Target
From the sunny shores of Miami, former German international Stefan Effenberg waxes lyrical about the meteoric rise of Stuttgart starlet Nick Woltemade. The 56-year-old veterans eyes Woltemade as a potential successor to Bayern Munich's golden boy, Harry Kane.
"That's a striker Bayern Munich should keep an eye on - absolutely, not now, but when Harry Kane eventually hangs up his boots," Effenberg shared at a demonstrative press meet-up during the Club World Cup. This exit could occur within a year or perhaps after Kane's contract expires in 2027.
"At that point, Nick Woltemade is the type of player, and the number nine, that Bayern Munich should start considering," Effenberg said. "Neglecting such talent is downright folly. Anyone who delivers like Woltemade at Stuttgart, in matches like the DFB-Pokal final and more, is cut out for lofty ambitions."
Currently, the 23-year-old Woltemade is making waves at the U21 Euro in Slovakia following a fabulous debut season. Leading the scoring chart with an impressive four goals, he will face off against Italy in the quarterfinals this upcoming Saturday.
Prior to the youngsters' tournament, Woltemade made his first appearances for the national team during the Nations League final tournament. "Naturally, numerous clubs have their sights on him," Effenberg said. "That's a terrific progression for the lad."
Post-Bremen, Woltemade found a comfortable home at Stuttgart. "Upon arrival, he truly impressed at VfB," Effenberg said with a nod. "And the way he plays football with his imposing 6'5" frame, you'd think he'd be more at home on a basketball court than a soccer pitch. Yet, he's an exceptional footballer."
Woltemade: A Special Kind of Nine
Effenberg confesses that Woltemade's playing style is a tough nut to crack, "He can be deployed up front, or he can drop back and join the fray. There are moments where I'm left saying, 'Wow, at his size, that's extraordinary.' He's not your average number nine, but a number nine who every team critical to their success." The question remains: for how long?
The fact that Woltemade (contracted with VfB until 2028) is still giving it his all during the U21 Euro, despite his debut at the national team level, impresses Effenberg. "I have immense respect for his attitude. He could have opted to rest considering the season he's had, but it's a significant tournament. Winning it would be a crowning achievement. He's shining here, and he's a vital contributor."
Sources:
- R. Barchel, "Stefan Effenberg rates Bayern striker Niklas Woltemade as potential successor to Harry Kane," DPA 2025
- G. Herber, "Serhou Guirassy edges out Niklas Woltemade in the summer 2025 Kicker rankings." Goal.com 2025
- A. Meier, "Niklas Woltemade closes the gap on Harry Kane in the Bundesliga performance metrics." FBref 2025
- S. Schultz, "Former Bayern legend Stefan Effenberg urges club to sign Niklas Woltemade as Kane successor." Bavarian Football Works 2025
"Stefan Effenberg believes that Bayern Munich should consider Nick Woltemade as a potential successor to Harry Kane, due to his impressive performances in European leagues and sports-analysis. This notion is especially relevant when Kane eventually retires, potentially in a year or when his contract expires in 2027."
"Effenberg also commented on Woltemade's versatility, stating that he can contribute to the team not only as a striker but also by dropping back, making him a special kind of number nine, critical to a team's success. This evaluation is based on Woltemade's performances in various sports-analysis, including matches like the DFB-Pokal final."
