Tottenham Hotspur have secured the loan signing of Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel, with an option to buy for £50 million in the summer. The 19-year-old, considered one of the most promising young talents in Europe, initially appeared hesitant to make the move, but Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou played a crucial role in convincing him. Tel and his agent, Gadiri Camara, traveled to London ahead of the deadline to finalize the deal.
Tel has struggled for game time at Bayern this season, making only four starts under Vincent Kompany. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United had all shown interest in the French forward, but Tottenham ultimately secured his services. His arrival is a significant boost for the squad, particularly given the club’s current injury crisis. Spurs’ forward line has been depleted, with Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, Wilson Odobert, and Timo Werner all sidelined.
The club’s injury woes extend beyond the attack. Centre-back Radu Dragusin is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the recent Europa League victory over Elfsborg. Tottenham had already moved to strengthen their defense by signing Kevin Danso from Lens on loan, with an obligation to buy for £20.9 million in the summer. However, the loss of Dragusin compounds their issues in central defense, as Cristian Romero remains out with a persistent thigh problem, while Micky van de Ven, who recently returned from a hamstring injury, was left out of the squad for the Brentford match due to fitness concerns.
Spurs made a late attempt to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi, offering £70 million including bonuses, but Palace refused to sell. Newcastle and Chelsea had also shown interest in Guéhi, while Liverpool have been long-time admirers. Tottenham are expected to revisit the deal in the summer. Additionally, they were interested in Chelsea’s Axel Disasi but lost out to Aston Villa, as the player preferred a move there.
Despite the defensive setbacks, Tel’s arrival provides a much-needed attacking option. He can play across the frontline but prefers operating as an inside left, allowing him to cut in on his stronger right foot. The former Rennes prodigy, who stands 6ft tall, is known for his technical ability, intelligent movement, and quick decision-making in front of goal.
Tel came through the prestigious Clairefontaine academy before breaking into Rennes’ first team as a 16-year-old in the 2021-22 season. Though he made only 10 substitute appearances for the club, his talent was evident, leading Bayern to sign him for €28.5 million. In his first season in Germany, he scored six goals, followed by 10 goals and six assists last season. However, competition for places at Bayern has limited his impact this term, making a fresh start an appealing prospect.
Tottenham’s loan deal provides an opportunity for Tel to showcase his ability in the Premier League while giving the club the option to secure him permanently in the summer.
