Bundesliga Aktuell: Bayern plans Kane extension, Kleindienst returns, BVB starts Japan tour

As the 2025/26 Bundesliga season nears its conclusion, FC Bayern Munich is turning its focus to the future—particularly the contract negotiations with star striker Harry Kane. The Englishman has become the indispensable core of Bayern’s attack after his impressive goal-scoring record. Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, former CEO and current supervisory board member at FC Bayern, confirmed to t-online that upcoming talks will address a contract extension: “It’s well known that he had an exit clause. He didn’t activate it, which signals that he definitely wants to stay in Munich.” Since joining in 2023, Kane has scored 138 goals in 141 competitive matches and currently leads the Bundesliga scoring charts with 33 goals. Rummenigge called Kane’s transfer “a pivotal coup in the club’s history” and praised his development under coach Vincent Kompany. Sports director Max Eberl announced that discussions will take place before the World Cup to “try to construct something together.”

Borussia Mönchengladbach has received a boost with captain Tim Kleindienst returning to team training. After a lengthy meniscus injury, the 30-year-old striker participated in passing drills and small-sided games with his teammates for the first time. Coach Eugen Polanski stated: “This week, our focus is on reintegrating Tim and helping him regain his feel for team play. After that, we’ll discuss the next steps with the medical staff.” Kleindienst has been a key goal threat for die Fohlen in the past, but his injury limited him to just two brief appearances this season. Whether he can play a decisive role in the season’s final stretch remains uncertain.

Borussia Dortmund has announced an exciting international preseason for 2026/27, including a return trip to Japan. From July 26 to August 2, the BVB will play two friendlies in Osaka and Tokyo. On July 29 at Yanmar Hanasaka Stadium in Osaka, they’ll face club legend Shinji Kagawa, who currently plays for Cerezo Osaka. Then, on August 1 at Japan National Stadium, Dortmund will take on FC Tokyo, one of the J1 League’s most successful clubs. Carsten Cramer, BVB’s managing director, emphasized the club’s strong bond with Japan and expressed excitement about engaging with Japanese fans and partners. The tour, coordinated with the DFL, will have further details released in mid-May.

The Bundesliga recently featured a Borussen clash between Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Mönchengladbach, ending in a frustrating 0:1 defeat for Dortmund. BVB goalkeeper Gregor Kobel voiced his disappointment post-match, demanding better performances: “We all signed contracts for the entire season, not just 31 games, and we must deliver accordingly.” Coach Niko Kovač dismissed claims of poor attitude: “We didn’t underestimate anyone, nor did we take this lightly—quite the opposite. We knew what to expect.” The loss was a crucial step toward relegation survival for Gladbach, while Dortmund had already secured Champions League qualification. Kovač remained optimistic: “I hope we’ll be much better in the next game than we were today.”