‘Englishmen don’t succeed in Madrid’ – Kane warned off La Liga by ex-Spurs star

Nicholas Hughes

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 3 min read

Harry Kane has been warned off a summer move to Real Madrid by ex-Spurs favourite Rafael van der Vaart.

The Dutchman spent two years at Real Madrid between 2008-2010 before moving to White Hart Lane.

Speaking to Ziggo Sport, van der Vaart said that Kane should avoid going to Real Madrid in favour of remaining in the Premier League.

“It may sound crazy, but you would almost say go to Manchester United or something, stay in England,” he said.

“Usually, it’s not such a success when an English player goes to Madrid.”

Harry Kane’s brilliant 2020/21 season so far

Van der Vaart could be referencing any number of English players that have gone to the Santiago Bernabeu, with the most notable failure being Michael Owen.

Much like Kane, Owen was a striker at the top of his game at Liverpool when he left the Reds for a Madrid in 2004.

Having won the Ballon d’Or at just 22 years of age in 2001, Owen was the next big thing for the England national team and sought a new challenge with Madrid.

However after just 16 goals in 45 games in all competitions, the Englishman was turned over for a profit after a single season Madrid, becoming Newcastle’s record transfer at the time.

Steve McManaman had made the same move five years prior with much greater success, winning two league titles and two Champions League crowns – scoring a brilliant volley in the 2000 final – in a four-year stint.

But outside of him, even David Beckham never really reached his potential, winning only one La Liga title in four years. Jonathan Woodgate is remembered for having one of the worst debuts in history, scoring an own goal and being sent off.

Van der Vaart emphasised the fact that Kane is “the man” at Tottenham, and that it wouldn’t quite be the same in Madrid.

Kane has been linked with a move away from Spurs for what feels like an eternity now, with many a former Spur urging him towards the exit door if the club fail to deliver him winners medals.