Harry Kane only has three options as Bayern star slammed again after Barcelona thrashing

Harry Kane endured another tough evening in a Bayern Munich shirt as Vincent Kompany’s side were thrashed 4-1 by Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday. The England captain scored his side’s only goal but his recent performances have come under strong scrutiny from the German media.

Kane’s personal record since his £100million transfer from Tottenham has been exceptional. His 44 goals in 45 appearances last season made him Europe’s top scorer, and he already has a staggering 14 strikes in 11 games this term.

But German publication Bild recently accused him of not performing in the biggest games. After Bayern’s flat 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen, the newspaper asked: “What good are three goals against Kiel if he doesn’t even get a shot on goal in a big game?”

There was similar criticism for England’s record scorer after the defeat at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys – Barca’s temporary home – on Wednesday. “No [Joshua] Kimmich, no Kane, no [Joao] Palhinha to be seen!” the newspaper declared.

Kane is yet to win a trophy with Bayern, having finished third in the Bundesliga last season, alongside a shock second-round exit in the DFB-Pokal and a gutting semi-final exit from the Champions League. England’s record scorer now only has three options as he approaches the final stretch of his career.

His first is to remain at Bayern, where he could play out the remainder of his playing days and hope that he wins over the country’s media. The dominant Bavarians are bound to win a trophy over the next couple of years, ending Kane’s career-long drought. But that route depends on how long he is willing to wait while having his performances criticised.

Another option is to return to the Premier League, where Kane only realistically has two options. The first is a switch to Manchester United, a transfer he was widely reported to be open to making – only for Spurs to rule out selling him to a top-flight domestic rival.

Manchester City may also harbour an interest in signing Kane, but surely only if Erling Haaland is sold. The Norwegian, whose brace against Sparta Prague on Wednesday took his goal tally to 13 for the season, has been linked with a blockbuster switch to Real Madrid.

Chelsea were once a credible suitor, too, but have recently seen more value in signing younger players. Kane may also decide against wanting to join one of Spurs’ biggest rivals.

Bayern’s struggles and his criticism leave Kane with a major decision to make before the end of the season. Kompany’s side are currently top of the Bundesliga and may finally land their striker’s first-ever trophy.

However, Kane may feel more appreciated back home, where his options are becoming more remote.