Does Kane deal end Premier League career but offer England hope?

Harry Kane's decision to sign a new contract with Bayern Munich carries heavy significance for the Bundesliga giants, who have been celebrating his status as a Ballon d'Or winner, but also for England and the Premier League's record books. Bayern have acted swiftly tosecure the 33-year-old on a dealtaking him through to 2029 after he wascrowned the world's best player,ensuring England's captain and record goalscorer will spend the final peak years of a magnificent career at Allianz Arena.

Kane has written himself into Bayern legend since joining from Spurs for £86m in August 2023, scoring 102 goals in 102 Bundesliga matches, winning two league titles and three successive Golden Boot awards. It is why Bayern could not contemplate his departure as other clubs eyed his next move - and why the announcement Kane is staying casts ripples far beyond Munich.

Does it mean Kane will never grace the Premier League again? And does it mean - far more enticingly - he has his sights set on two more major tournaments and two more chances to grasp the prize that has eluded him at international level?

Former England striker Chris Sutton told BBC Sport: "I certainly think, although you always have to factor fitness issues into all of this, that Harry is more than capable of carrying on for a few years yet, easily. People might say his game lacks a little bit of pace, but he's so strong in other areas.

He is a world-class all-round player. His finishing isn't going to be affected in any way by his age.

He can still link up play and his football brain is first class. I don't see his age being such a big deal.

You think of pacy players over the years who rely on that part of the game then lose it as they get older. Harry is not one of those.

He seems fit and at the peak of his powers with Bayern and England." Kane's new contract expires shortly before his 36th birthday, certainly raising the prospect the player who left Spurs as the highest scorer in their history with 280 goals in 435 appearances may never grace the Premier League again. His consummate professionalism, and apparent ability to develop into the complete player with age, means this can never be discounted.

The notion of an emotional return to Spurs at some point has often provided background noise, but now looks increasingly unlikely.