Why it could make sense for Kane to join Chelsea

EvERYoNE says that Daniel Levy likes a deal. This could be the summer to really test that. What if Chelsea do not recruit Erling Haaland? What then for the club that have an even greater need for a striker than Manchester City? We all know the alternative. We know the other prime goalscorer who could be on the market, for a similarly extravagant price. But could Levy do a deal with London rivals Chelsea?

And could Harry Kane make the journey across the capital, knowing it will end his relationship with the club he loves? It has always been considered too outlandish a proposition, but circumstances are changing — for all parties.

Chelsea appear increasingly likely to miss out on Haaland, particularly with the futures of Pep Guardiola and Kevin De Bruyne secure. Who would not want to be coached by one and supplied by the other? Manchester City is a perfect fit for Haaland. This leaves Chelsea without option A, but still in pressing need of a striker.

Thomas Tuchel cannot go into next season with a false nine system built around Kai Havertz who has scored five goals all season, four of which were against Barnsley and Morecambe. His only goal against Premier League opposition was at home to Southampton on october 17.

Chelsea’s false nine is not thriving like Guardiola’s in Manchester. It is born from necessity — from a lack of faith in the goalscorers, and a lack of goals in those afforded faith.

Then there is Kane’s predicament. If he has decided it is time to leave Tottenham, his options are increasingly limited.

Manchester City appear to be prioritising elsewhere. The Spanish and Italian giants do not have the money. It leaves a move within the Premier League.

Manchester United would surely be interested but are without a domestic title since 2013 or any form of silverware since 2017.

If trophies are Kane’s motivation, who is to say United would be the right career move? Since they were last champions, Chelsea have won two league titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League. This is the gratification he seeks.

This just leaves Levy. The pandemic has affected his business plan more than most. Tottenham were supposed to have a multisport, multi-event stadium bringing in significant revenue. Yet is the crisis so great he would sell Kane to a rival? It would be close to impossible to market such a move to Tottenham’s supporters, no matter the mitigations.

It might even be unpalatable at the Chelsea end. Carlton Cole claimed he was set to move from Chelsea to Tottenham in 2005 but Roman Abramovich intervened, claiming he wouldn’t do deals with them. The last player to switch from Tottenham to Chelsea, meanwhile, was goalkeeper Neil Sullivan on a free transfer in 2003.

So it’s a long shot. It’s hard to make happen. It’s Kauto Riko to win the Grand National. But £150million can open a lot of doors, change a lot of minds. And old rivalries aside, it rather makes sense.