Mathys Tel transfer: Bayern Munich forward on his way to England to seal Tottenham move

Mathys Tel transfer: Bayern Munich forward on his way to England to seal Tottenham move | Football News

Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel has landed in England ahead of a proposed move to Tottenham.

Tel’s agent posted an image on Instagram of the Bayern Munich teenager aboard a private plane heading for London, with the 19-year-old landing at Farnborough Airport.

Sky Sports News understands the structure of the deal is still being negotiated between the clubs with Bayern understood to prefer a permanent deal or a loan which includes an obligation to buy.

Tel turned down the chance to sign for Tottenham earlier this week after the clubs had agreed a £50m deal.

Negotiations stalled on Friday with Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United also interested in France international Tel.

How Sky Sports News brought you a MENTAL 72 hours for Spurs

January 31 – 9:50am – Spurs and Bayern Munich agree a £50m fee for striker Mathys Tel
January 31 – 5:00pm – Spurs begin talks with AC Milan over a deal for Fikayo Tomori
January 31 – 5:30pm – Mathys Tel rejects the chance to join Tottenham
January 31 – 7:50pm – Spurs’ talks with Fikayo Tomori reach an advanced stage
February 1 – 10:15am – AC Milan defender Fikayo Tomori decides to stay at the San Siro.
February 1 – 10:20pm – Tottenham hijack Wolves’ deal to sign Lens centre-back Kevin Danso
February 2 – 9.30am – Spurs announce the signing of Danso in a £21m deal from Lens.
February 2 – 4:30pm – Spurs open talks with Chelsea over deal for Axel Disasi
February 3 – 9:30am – Spurs end their interest in Disasi
February 3 – 10:30am – News over a weekend £70m bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi emerges. The bid was rejected, with Guehi set to stay at Selhurst Park.
February 3 – 1.30pm – Then Mathys Tel changes his mind about a move to Spurs and his agent is pictured taking a plane to England

But in a massive U-turn, Tel has changed his mind after a long conversation with Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou on how he will be used.

It represents a further boost for Postecoglou, who has faced mounting external pressure but watched his depleted team make it three wins from their last four matches with a 2-0 victory over Brentford on Sunday.

The addition of centre-back Kevin Danso from Lens was also confirmed on Sunday as Tottenham look to salvage their campaign, with the prospect of trophy success still possible due to participation in the Carabao Cup, Europa League and FA Cup.

Spurs face a crucial week with a trip to Liverpool on Thursday, live on Sky Sports, to determine who qualifies for next month’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

An FA Cup fourth-round tie with Aston Villa follows three days later and Postecoglou could have Tel available for both fixtures if he receives international clearance and a work permit in time.

‘Tel has changed his mind – his plane is heading to London!’

SSN reporter Michael Bridge:

“We say never say never on Deadline Day but Tel has done a U-turn and has said ‘yes’ to Tottenham. Incredible news.

“There are reports there are no obligations or options to buy but what we do know – and there is a picture of Tel and his agent on a plane – the plane looks like it is going to London and not Manchester.

“Huge news. Tel has changed his mind…”

Remember, Tel rejected Spurs first…

Here’s what Paul Merson said on the Transfer Show on Friday night after Mathys Tel rejected a £50m transfer to Spurs…

“Mathys Tel can’t go to Spurs now. Fans won’t be happy with that. As soon as they’ve heard that he doesn’t want to join, and those three other clubs don’t come in for him and then he ends up at Tottenham, the fans won’t be happy with that.

“I wouldn’t say it’s embarrassing for Spurs. He’s coming from Bayern Munich, he’s not coming from a lesser team. No disrespect to Tottenham, but he’s coming from a huge team. He’s got to get the right move.”

‘Tel is a striker, not a winger!’

Sky in Germany’s Florian Plettenberg speaking to Sky Sports News:

“This is a very good solution for Tel, Tottenham and Bayern.

“He has reconsidered his decision. He was in talks with Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham. I’m convinced that in the end Spurs have presented the best project in order to get match practice. This is the most important for Tel.

“Now it’s up to Postecoglou to place him in the right position. He’s not a winger, he’s a striker. Let him strike, let him score goals!”

Analysis: Why Tel is in demand

Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:

Tel has been a peripheral figure for Bayern Munich this season, playing only 344 minutes across their Bundesliga and Champions League campaigns without scoring. But at 19, he remains a thrilling talent with plenty to offer and plenty of room for improvement.

He demonstrated his immense potential last season, contributing nine goals and six assists across the Bundesliga and Champions League, despite mostly featuring as a substitute, and averaging an eye-catching 1.15 goal involvements per 90 minutes.

Context is important, of course. Many of those substitute appearances came at points in games where Bayern were already several goals up. But his talent is not in doubt. It is what convinced Bayern to pay roughly £23m to land him at the age of only 17 in 2022.

Tel is quick, strong in the air and, crucially, an accomplished finisher. His versatility is another asset.

As shown in the graphic above, Tel’s minutes at Bayern have been split across different positions. He has played the highest share of minutes on the left, where he is able to cut in on his right foot. But he is also adept with his left foot and has been used on the right, as a central striker, and even in midfield.

He would have to adapt to new surroundings in the Premier League, of course. Hitting the ground running would be a challenge mid-season. But it is easy to understand the interest, even if he would not come cheaply to any side looking to sign him permanently.

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