How will Bayern Munich line up with Harry Kane?

The Bavarians are on the verge of adding the England captain to their ranks.

Bayern Munich have reportedly reached a “€100m+” agreement with Tottenham to sign Harry Kane. The English striker ends his 14-year spell at Tottenham, joining the Bavarians ahead of the 2023-24 Bundesliga campaign.

As Bayern finally end their hunt for Robert Lewandowski’s replacement, let’s take a look at their possible lineup with Kane.

Back to 4-2-3-1?

Louis van Gaal’s favourite formation has been synonymous with Bayern’s success for over a decade.

Even Pep Guardiola, who experimented with a host of different formations during his time in charge of Bayern, returned to a 4-2-3-1 system with Frank Ribery and Arjen Ruben on the wings. Thomas Tuchel has all the ingredients to make up an effective 4-2-3-1 formation at Bayern.

In Manuel Neuer’s absence, a new keeper will stand between Bayern’s post for most of the next campaign. The Bavarians are linked with the likes of Yassine Bono and David de Gea but are yet to sign their next goalkeeper.

The arrival of Kim Min-jae will most likely see the South Korean star link up with Matthijs de Ligt at the heart of Bayern’s four-man backline.

Tuchel can use both Raphaël Guerreiro and Alphonso Davies for the left-back position. However, the Canadian is more likely to start in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Noussair Mazraoui is expected to get more playing time at the right-back after Benjamin Pavard’s expected move away from Allianz Arena.

New signing Konrad Laimer will form a duo with Joshua Kimmich in midfield. The pair will play behind Jamal Musiala, who has become a cornerstone of Bayern’s squad since the last season.

Bayern’s three-man attacking line will have Kane as its target striker, with Tuchel having a host of options to play on the wings.

Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane are the most likely starters on the left and right flanks, respectively. But the likes of Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry and even Jamal Musiala provide depth for the attacking setup.

Bayern XI (4-2-3-1): Ulreich, Davies, De Ligt, Kim, Mazraoui, Kimmich, Laimer, Musiala, Coman, Sane, Kane.

Tuchel’s favourite formation (3-4-3)

Based on Bayern’s summer signings, Tuchel will most likely stick to his favourite 3-4-3 formation next season. He used this system several times during the 2022-23 campaign, even without having enough options in some positions.

In this case, we can expect a trio of De Ligt, Kim, and Upamecano to start at Bayern’s three-man defence line.

The centre-backs will play behind a duo of Laimer and Kimmich in midfield, with Leon Goretzka also competing for a starting spot in midfield.

In a 3-4-3 formation, Guerreiro has a better chance of starting as Bayern’s left wing-back, while Mazraoui will most likely stay as the main candidate to start on the opposite side.

As usually seen in 3-4-3 systems, Tuchel can use two number 10s in his lineup next season. Musiala and Sane are the ideal lineup choices in this case since they can easily link up with the wing-backs. Kane will have more space to work inside the box, receiving balls from both creative midfielders.

Bayern XI (3-4-3): Ulreich, De Ligt, Kim, Upamecano, Laimer, Kimmich, Mazraoui, Gurrerio, Musiala, Sane, Kane.