Mathys Tel was the unexpected headline of the January transfer window, as several Premier League giants battled for the Bayern Munich wonderkid. Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United all pursued the 19-year-old, who sought more game time away from Bavaria.
As deadline day arrived, Tel boarded a flight to England. Many assumed he was destined for one of the three suitors, but in a stunning twist, he landed at Tottenham—despite recently rejecting their approach.
Ange Postecoglou wasted no time, introducing him early in the Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool. However, it was a nightmare debut as Spurs suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat. Tel will be desperate to bounce back in Sunday’s FA Cup clash against Aston Villa.
Tel’s adaptability across the front line makes him an asset for Postecoglou, given Spurs’ ongoing injury crisis. Though primarily a left-sided forward, he has operated as a “false winger,” drifting inside to function as a secondary striker.
In a 2023 interview with the Bundesliga’s official site, he explained:
“I’m somewhere between a number nine and a left winger. I can play on the right too, but I feel most comfortable as a striker or on the left.”
He initially replaced Richarlison on the left against Liverpool, but with the Brazilian sidelined alongside Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson, Tel may have to adjust to different roles in Tottenham’s attack.
Upon arriving at Bayern from Rennes in 2022 for £24 million, Tel was quickly nicknamed a “mini-Mbappé” due to his playing style. While those comparisons persist, it’s former Spurs talisman Harry Kane who Tel admires most.
“He’s a great striker. He’s been a role model for me,” Tel said of his former Bayern teammate. “He helps me a lot, often without me even asking. He’ll come over and give me advice on finishing and movement.”
“It’s a great opportunity for both sides. Mathys is talented and hardworking. Getting regular game time will help him reach his potential. Tottenham are lucky to have a young, hungry player with a lot of talent.”
Tel’s Career in Numbers
Appearances: 94
Starts: 16
Goals: 22
Assists: 7
Trophies: Bundesliga (2022/23), U17 Euros (2022)
Tel joins Spurs on loan until the end of the season, but the club holds a €55m (£45.7m) option to buy. If activated, he will sign a six-year deal.
“He’ll be a Tottenham player, mate. I didn’t bring him here for just six months. He’ll show everyone why he belongs here.”
After a rough debut, both Tel and Tottenham will be hoping for a fresh start as he looks to prove himself in England.