Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel has landed in England ahead of a proposed loan move to Tottenham that could become permanent.
When it emerged that Tel was travelling to England on Monday it was widely reported that the deal would be for a straight loan.
However, Spurs have been negotiating with Bayern throughout Deadline Day to insert a buy option into the deal and appear to have been successful.
Manchester United’s interest in Tel ended as Bayern wanted a £5m loan fee with no buy clause in the deal.
It was seen as an expensive risk and developing the player only for Bayern or another club to benefit at the end of the temporary spell.
Tel turned down the chance to sign for Tottenham in a permanent transfer last 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.
But in a massive U-turn, Tel has changed his mind after a long conversation with Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou about how he will be used.
The news emerged when Tel’s agent posted a picture on his story of himself and the teenager aboard a private plane.
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.
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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.
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The best goals, skills and assists from Tel
‘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…”
‘Tel is a striker, not a winger!’
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Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg reports from Germany and explains why Mathys Tel changed his mind about signing for Tottenham
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
Bayern Munich forward Tel
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.
Tel has largely been used as an impact sub at Bayern Munich so far in his career
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.
Mathys Tel has played in various positions for Bayern Munich
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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Jamie Redknapp reveals he spoke to Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane about team-mate Tel as the striker is attracting interest from Tottenham and other Premier League clubs
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