Mathys Tel has revealed why he chose to join Tottenham Hotspur on loan from Bayern Munich, insisting it was the “best option” for his career. The 19-year-old forward completed a deadline-day move to North London after pushing for an exit from the Bundesliga giants due to limited game time.
Tel, who joined Bayern from Rennes in 2022 for over £20m, initially turned down a Spurs move last week and held talks with Manchester United and Arsenal. However, those negotiations collapsed, and he eventually agreed to join Ange Postecoglou’s side, with Tottenham securing an option to buy him for £45m this summer.
“Why I chose Tottenham? It was the best option for me,” Tel told the club’s official website. “I’m ready to play, I’m here, I’m ready to grow. I spoke with the president, the team manager, the coach, and that was very important for me.”
The France U21 star also sought advice from Bayern teammates and former Spurs players Harry Kane and Eric Dier before making his decision.
“They said, if you want to work here, you have everything. You can enjoy it,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity to work, to learn every day.”
Tel was further encouraged by his close friend Wilson Odobert, who joined Spurs last summer.
“Wilson told me, ‘Come, this is a great team, you will see,’” Tel revealed. “We are good friends. I come from Paris, him too, and we have a good relationship.”
He now joins a Tottenham side struggling in 14th place despite a crucial win over Brentford at the weekend. Tel could make his debut on Thursday when Spurs face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.
Excited for the challenge ahead, Tel added: “It’s a new chapter for me. I’m ready to bring energy to the team. I know what I have to do for Tottenham, for the team, for the fans, and I hope I am going to do it.”