Bayern Move to Extend Harry Kane as Luis Diaz Rebuffs Al-Hilal Interest
Main stories
Harry Kane and Bayern have reportedly agreed in principle on a contract extension to 2029, with his current deal running only to 2027, according to Sky Sport and regional German outlets. The striker, who has scored 146 goals in 147 competitive appearances for the club, is due back in Munich this week following his post-World Cup break, when final talks and the signing are expected to be completed.
Luis Diaz has told Bayern he wants to stay at the club and has personally rejected an approach from Saudi side Al-Hilal, who were reportedly prepared to offer him around €25m a year, according to multiple reports including Colombia One and World Soccer Talk. Al-Hilal are said to be ready to offer Bayern a fee between €125m and €150m, but chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen has said the club has no intention of sanctioning a sale and has not even set an asking price, regarding Diaz as unavailable this summer.
VfB Stuttgart have signed Slovakia winger Leo Sauer from Feyenoord on a five-year contract, in a deal reported at €15m rising to €17m with add-ons. The 20-year-old scored three goals and added two assists in the Eredivisie last season before making the move to the Bundesliga.
TSG Hoffenheim have completed the signing of 17-year-old Belgian midfielder Nathan De Cat from Anderlecht on a long-term contract, with the club citing its track record of developing young talent as a factor in his decision to move to Germany.
Transfer and squad notes
The DFB-Pokal first round is set to begin on 21 August, with holders Bayern and runners-up Borussia Dortmund entering later than the rest of the field in early September because of their European and domestic commitments.
What it means for the league
Bayern's parallel efforts to extend Kane and hold onto Diaz show a club prioritising continuity in its most important attacking pieces even as Saudi interest continues to test the market for Bundesliga stars. Stuttgart and Hoffenheim's incoming business points to clubs outside the traditional top two continuing to invest in young, developing talent as the transfer window enters its final fortnight before the 28 August season start.