By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, May 5 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany said joining the German record champion team has taken Harry Kane to a new level ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Champions League semifinal second leg against Paris Saint-Germain.
The tie has drawn global attention following a wild 5-4 first leg, with the 32-year-old Kane contributing a goal and key assists. Kompany said the England captain's overall profile has risen significantly since his move from Tottenham in 2023.
Speaking on the club's social media channel, the 40-year-old said Kane's qualities were often reduced to goalscoring during his 14 years in England.
"People saw him as a goalscorer during his time playing there," Kompany said, adding that his finishing and leadership were always recognized.
"But we have seen other qualities too, such as football intelligence. We can appreciate that now. It was perhaps somewhat underestimated in England."
Kompany likened Kane's development to "a fine wine that improves with age."
The striker again underlined his all-around game in the first leg against PSG, setting up Bayern's fourth goal with a precise pass to Luis Diaz, who finished past Marquinhos late in the match.
Kane has scored 54 goals and provided 16 assists in all competitions this season, performances that have reportedly attracted interest from several top European clubs, including PSG and Premier League sides.
Bayern supervisory board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said the club plans to open talks to extend Kane's contract, which runs until 2027.
"We will take up talks right after the season," he said, describing the move as a unanimous decision by the club's leadership.
German media reports say Kane and his family are settled in Munich and that the striker has not activated an exit clause this spring.
Kane became the Bundesliga's most expensive signing when he joined Bayern in 2023, and board member Uli Hoeness recently said the forward is worth up to 250 million euros and is "priceless" beyond his on-field contribution. ■
