Mathys Tel’s Future in Doubt as Manchester United Remain an Option After Tottenham Loan Move
New Tottenham Hotspur signing Mathys Tel could already be contemplating his next career move, just days after making his debut for the North London club in the Carabao Cup. The 19-year-old forward, who arrived from Bayern Munich on a last-minute loan deal, may have his sights set on a different Premier League destination in the summer, with fresh reports suggesting that Manchester United could come back for him when the transfer window reopens.
Late Deadline Day Move to Tottenham
Despite initially turning down the prospect of leaving Bayern earlier in the January window, Tel eventually agreed to a temporary switch to Tottenham on deadline day. The deal sees Spurs pay a loan fee that could rise to €10 million (£8.3m), with an option to buy included in the agreement. However, there are already indications that the French youngster might not remain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium beyond this season.
Tottenham’s option to make the transfer permanent gives them an advantage if they wish to secure Tel’s services long-term, but new reports claim that the player himself is keen on exploring other options—with Manchester United being his preferred destination.
Underwhelming Debut in Carabao Cup Defeat
Tel was introduced to English football during Spurs’ Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday night. Coming on as a substitute late in the first half, the young forward was unable to make an impact as Tottenham suffered a crushing 4-0 defeat, ultimately crashing out of the competition.
Despite the disappointing debut, the speculation surrounding Tel’s long-term future has continued to gain momentum. According to a fresh report from CaughtOffside, Manchester United remain interested in bringing him to Old Trafford in the summer, a move that could materialize if certain conditions align.
Manchester United’s Interest & Christian Falk’s Insights
Respected journalist Christian Falk has revealed that United were strongly interested in signing Tel during the January window but ultimately pulled out due to disagreements over the loan fee Bayern Munich were demanding. The Red Devils were unwilling to meet the €5 million valuation Bayern set for a temporary move, but this obstacle will no longer be a concern in the summer, potentially paving the way for a permanent transfer.
“There were also talks with Manchester United, who were interested in Mathys Tel’s signature. Tel was certainly open to the move, but United weren’t prepared to pay the loan fee Bayern Munich were demanding at the time (€5m),” Falk told CaughtOffside.
He further added that Tel remains open to joining United in the summer if the opportunity arises, although his future ultimately depends on how his stint at Tottenham unfolds.
“Whether Tel stays with Bayern beyond the summer or moves on, it’s entirely up to him. If he can make the step to Manchester United, he would like to do it. If he sees a chance at Bayern Munich, perhaps he would also stay, but I think it’s hard for him, as he didn’t make it under Vincent Kompany.
So, I think if he is performing very well, he will stay in the Premier League. If he doesn’t, he has to go back to Bayern and start again.”
What Next for Tel?
While Tottenham hold an option to secure his long-term future, Tel’s personal preference could play a crucial role in determining where he ends up next. If he makes a strong impression in the second half of the season under Ange Postecoglou, Spurs could decide to activate their purchase clause—but that doesn’t necessarily guarantee that the player will want to stay.
With Manchester United’s long-standing interest, Tel might view a move to Old Trafford as a more attractive opportunity—especially given the uncertainty surrounding Bayern Munich’s plans for him under Kompany.
As the season progresses, Tel’s performances for Tottenham will be closely monitored, not only by his current club but also by potential suitors like Manchester United. If he flourishes in the Premier League, Spurs will have to act quickly to convince him to stay—otherwise, they could face losing him to a direct rival in the summer.
Mathys Tel already has eyes set on joining another club less than a week after completing stunning Tottenham move
