Bayern Munich has quickly returned to the familiar title rotation. After easily reclaiming the Bundesliga throne from Bayer Leverkusen last season, Vincent Kompany's team opened a new campaign with a 2-1 victory over Stuttgart in the German Super Cup.
Harry Kane opened the scoring before new signing Luis Diaz sealed the victory, helping Bayern beat champions DFB-Pokal. It was not an impressive performance, but it is understandable that the "Gray Tigers" only had a short break because they had to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
"This is the first goal of the season. Oh, it's amazing" - Kane shared after lifting the German Super Cup title.
The joy of lifting the trophy has not yet subsided, Kane frankly expressed concern about Bayern's depth of strength, while indirectly putting pressure on the board.
"This is probably one of the smallest teams I have ever played for. There is still time before the transfer window closes and the decision belongs to Max Eberl, Christoph Freund and the coach.
We have a few young players who have performed well in pre-season, but the current squad is still a bit thin" - the England international said.
In fact, Kompany only has 22 strong players in hand. And Bayern Munich have just two weeks left to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Without the necessary additions, the "Gray Tigers"' ambition to promote Europe will likely become an overwhelming target, despite Kane continuing to shine in attack.
Kane continued to be a source of life in Bayern's attack last season with 40 goals in all competitions. Of which, 26 goals in the Bundesliga were enough for him to win the Golden Boot award for the second consecutive year.
But the reality is that whenever the former Tottenham striker stagnates, the "Gray Tigers" always plummet. The clearest proof is the disappointing 1-2 defeat to Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
If they want to become a true championship candidate in the Champions League, Bayern need to reduce this absolute dependence. After Thomas Muller left, the gap in both goals and experience became clearer, but Bayern's efforts to find a replacement have been unsuccessful.
Stuttgart have rejected three offers for Nick Woltemade, including a price of 60 million Euros. Chelsea also abandoned the idea of lending Christopher Nkunku and only accepted a separate sale. Both of these goals are considered closed, putting Bayern at risk of falling into a miserable position.
It is true that Michael Olise and Diaz could have scored some more goals to share the burden, but that was not enough. Entering the new season without a true reserve striker will be a very risky gamble for the "Gray Tigers".
With Kane turning 32, having to work continuously without rest will lead to fatigue or long-term injuries. And then, Bayern's promising season could collapse in the blink of an eye.
Bayern are of course still the number one candidate for the Bundesliga title. This title is considered a mandatory task rather than a goal to strive for them. The real measure of the "Gray Tigers", as usual, is the Champions League.
If Kompany's side continue to stumble in Europe's most prestigious arena, it will be difficult for them to keep Kane after this season.
Kane's €74 million release clause will take effect next summer. According to British media, the striker has considered returning to the Premier League after the 2026 World Cup.
Tottenham have the priority to buy back Kane thanks to a sale clause in 2023, but Manchester United is the most mentioned destination. Liverpool are also on the list of interest, because they are hungry for a classy centre-forward to change the face of the attack.
The temptation to return to England, where Kane has only an all-time record of Alan Shearer's 47 goals, will certainly be very difficult.
If there is also a chance to compete for the Premier League title - a title Kane has never touched - that prospect will be even more attractive.
Bayern Munich must therefore quickly prove that they have a project that is ambitious and worthy. Otherwise, the "Gray Tigers" will lose the best striker they have ever recruited in the modern era.
