The 19-year-old French U21 forward had several suitors, with Manchester United and Chelsea showing interest earlier. Arsenal was also linked
Mathys Tel Joins Tottenham in High-Profile Transfer
Mathys Tel has been one of the most discussed names of this transfer window.
The 19-year-old French U21 forward had several suitors, with Manchester United and Chelsea showing interest earlier. Arsenal was also linked, but Tottenham has now secured his signature. Spurs have taken him on loan with the option to make the deal permanent for £50m in the summer.
Bayern Munich originally signed Tel from Rennes in 2022 for approximately £23m. At the time, then-sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic described him as "one of the biggest talents in Europe." However, after two and a half seasons and only nine starts for Bayern, he has yet to fully realize that potential.
Tel joins a Spurs squad still active in the Europa League and FA Cup, leading their League Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool, but currently struggling in the Premier League, sitting 14th.
What Can Spurs Expect from Tel?
A technically gifted attacker, Tel thrives on tricking defenders and pulling off moments of brilliance.
His close control and first touch are among his strongest attributes. However, his decision-making and defensive awareness still need refinement. He is capable of producing magic on the ball but can sometimes be caught out of position.
If deployed as a winger, Tel is likely to operate on the left, allowing him to cut inside onto his stronger right foot. His pace is a weapon down the flank, but his ball control at high speeds can lead to turnovers against strong full-backs.
Manager Ange Postecoglou might also experiment with Tel as a striker. However, to be truly effective in that role, he would likely need a physical forward alongside him to occupy defenders, allowing Tel to capitalize on loose balls and open spaces.
Though his potential remains uncertain, Tel's talent is undeniable. Last season, when given regular minutes, he displayed flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency, which is expected from a young player still adapting to elite-level football. Given the financial investment Tottenham is considering, Tel has much to prove.
Why Did Tel Leave Bayern Munich?
Tottenham's technical director Johan Lange personally scouted Tel during Bayern's Champions League match against Slovan Bratislava, where he played 62 minutes. Initially, reports suggested Tel was reluctant to leave Bayern, but after speaking with Postecoglou, he changed his mind.
In his first Bundesliga season, Tel made just one start but impressed with five goals across 21 substitute appearances. He began his second season in strong form, scoring three goals and providing an assist in his first five league games. Despite that, he struggled to break into Bayern's starting XI, making just six starts that campaign. This season, his playing time diminished further, featuring in only two league starts while remaining an unused substitute on nine occasions. He has yet to score a competitive goal this season.
What Led to His Exit?
Bayern initially resisted selling Tel, with sporting director Max Eberl recently praising his potential. However, as his minutes declined following Vincent Kompany’s arrival, both club and player reconsidered their stance.
Bayern’s squad boasts elite wingers like Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sané, Serge Gnabry, and Michael Olise, making it difficult for Tel to earn a spot. Despite occasional appearances as a striker, he was never a top choice, even when Bayern faced injury crises in that position.
Despite being determined to stay in December, Tel ultimately opted for a fresh start in the Premier League, where he hopes to secure regular playing time and prove himself on a bigger stage.
