Tottenham Hotspur signed Mathys Tel on deadline day of the winter transfer window, securing his services from Bayern Munich on a six-month loan with an option to buy for £45 million at the end of the season.
Tel became one of the more sought-after players in the transfer market after it became clear that he was looking to leave Bayern in the January transfer window in search of regular game time.
Spurs were among the most interested parties as manager Ange Postecoglou was keen on adding a top-quality attacker to the squad. However, it looked as though a deal wasn’t possible when the 19-year-old turned down Spurs’ offer, but only to reverse his decision a few days later.
The talented French prodigy will sign a six-year deal with the Lilywhites should his buy-out clause be exercised at the end of his loan spell.
Tel has struggled to nail down a regular starting berth under Bayern manager Vincent Kompany this season, making just 4 starts in 14 games across all competitions whilst being left on the bench 14 times. Moreover, Harry Kane’s imperious form as the first-choice striker made it difficult for Tel.
It led him to leave the Bavarians and look to revitalise his career elsewhere, with the north Londoners providing him the escape route.
How can Mathys Tel fit in at Spurs?
Spurs have come under the microscope this season after experiencing a massive decline. They are currently languishing 14th in the table, only 10 points off the relegation zone while their encouraging run in the EFL Cup came to a crashing blow in the form of a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool.
Despite the acquisition of a top-rated young talent like Mathys Tel, the fans have been very critical of Spurs’ failure to add defensive reinforcements, with the club’s backline being their weakest link.
Nevertheless, Tel’s addition will bolster a star-studded attack and his versatility will aid Ange’s ability to make optimum use of his services.
One of the French youngster’s key strengths is his ability to be the focal point of the attack as well as play on the wing.
With Dominic Solanke currently out injured, Tel has a great opportunity to lead the attack or be a quality back-up for Richarlison in the striker’s pecking order as we saw upon the Brazilian’s injury just ahead of the interval.
At the same time, he can add depth to the left-wing position as a deputy to Heung-min Son or even compete with him for the starting spot thus ensuring the Spurs superstar remains on his toes for the entirety of the campaign.
Tel combines sheer pace and mastery on the ball during 1v1 situations on the left flank. He can also be a lethal finisher inside the box. Spurs, as can clearly be seen, have got a serious talent to make use of and now the entire group have to lift their game and make sure the second half of the season makes up for the dreadful recent run.
