Clinton Morrison believes that Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane could have his “head turned” if the club fail to qualify for the Champions League next season, per The Debate (March 11th, 44:50).
What’s he said?
Spurs are currently eighth in the Premier League, seven points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.
Manchester City’s suspension from next season’s Champions League means that the fifth-placed team could qualify for the competition this term, but Spurs are also four points behind Manchester United, who occupy that slot.
Kane has been injured since New Year’s Day, of course, while Son Heung-Min is also out; Spurs have not won since the South Korea international fractured his arm against Aston Villa in February, crashing out of both the FA Cup and this season’s Champions League at the hands of Norwich City and RB Leipzig respectively.
Money talks: How much did Levy pay for each of these Spurs stars?
And Morrison thinks that Kane could be tempted to leave if they can’t find a way into Europe’s premier club competition next season, with their chances this term already appearing remote.
He said: “The thing I worry about, and this is a big worry, is that Harry Kane is at the peak of his career and he wants to play Champions League football. I think Tottenham have to somehow get into the Champions League next season.
“I know it’s his club and he loves the club, Harry Kane, and I don’t think he will leave in the summer. I think it’s a better coup to keep Harry Kane if you’re playing Champions League football.”
He added: “I’m not saying he’s going to leave, but he’ll have his head turned because Harry Kane should be playing in the Champions League because he’s one of the best strikers in European football.”
Can’t wait forever
Kane needs Spurs to get their act together.
This season, of course, is a transitional one, with Jose Mourinho replacing Mauricio Pochettino as manager and the club attempting to find a way through a worsening injury crisis – the likes of Steven Bergwijn and Moussa Sissoko are also currently out.
Next season, though, is pretty much Europe or bust.
A failure to reach the Champions League wouldn’t just see Kane questioning his future but a number of other players, too.
Kane has been a star for Spurs for some time now, scoring 181 goals in 278 appearances for the club, but he has yet to win a trophy and he cannot have his nose pressed up against the glass when it comes to the Champions League.
Spurs know what they have to do; they simply don’t have any room for error next season.
Meanwhile, Spurs have been proved very wrong by one former star!