The race for the Barcelona presidency has taken a sensational turn. Xavier Vilajoana, one of the key candidates for the upcoming March 15, 2026 elections, has officially promised to bring Bayern Munich superstar Harry Kane to the Camp Nou if he is elected.
In a move reminiscent of the high-stakes “galactico” promises of the past, Vilajoana is centering his campaign on a major statement signing to usher in a new era for the club.
The Vision: Restoring the 1:1 Rule
Vilajoana’s pitch relies on the argument that Barcelona is finally turning a financial corner.
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The Spending Rule: He insists that by strictly adhering to La Liga’s 1:1 spending rule (spending only what the club earns/saves), Barça can once again compete for the world’s most expensive players without relying on “economic levers.”
- The Strategy: While Vilajoana emphasized his deep commitment to La Masia, he argued that a “top-tier project” needs a world-class reference point in attack to eventually succeed Robert Lewandowski, whose contract is nearing its final stages.
The Harry Kane Reality Check
While the promise has energized some sections of the socis (club members), the logistical reality of signing Kane remains daunting.
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Bayern’s Stance: Kane is currently the undisputed king of Bavaria. As of February 2026, he has already notched 26 goals this season and is on track to challenge Lewandowski’s single-season Bundesliga record of 41.
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Contract Situation: Bayern Munich is reportedly in “relaxed” but active talks to extend Kane’s stay beyond June 2027. Recent reports from Bild suggest the English captain is settled in Germany and has little desire to move.
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The Release Clause: Rumors of a £57M ($78M) release clause for the summer of 2026 have circulated, but Bayern board member Uli Hoeness recently claimed any such escape routes have expired, meaning Barça would have to negotiate a massive transfer fee.
Skepticism in the Election Trail
Critics and rival candidates, including the incumbent Joan Laporta (who recently stepped down to run for re-election) and Victor Font, have labeled Vilajoana’s promise as “electoral rhetoric.”
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The Financial Gap: Despite optimism, Barça is reportedly still roughly €12M–€14M away from regulatory stability, making a €100M+ operation for a 32-year-old striker a massive financial risk.
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Institutional Stability: Opponents argue that the club should focus on registering current stars and youth talents rather than chasing “impossible” mega-transfers.