Thomas Frank Makes Intentions Clear on Mathys Tel Following £30m Tottenham Transfer
New Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has wasted no time in making his stance clear regarding Mathys Tel, who has officially become the first signing of his reign in North London. The French forward, who was on loan at Spurs last season, joins permanently from Bayern Munich in a deal worth around £30 million.
Tel, 20, showed glimpses of promise during his loan stint under former boss Ange Postecoglou, scoring three goals and providing one assist in 20 appearances across all competitions. However, his performances divided opinion among fans. While some appreciated his raw potential and flashes of brilliance, others were unconvinced, citing inconsistent displays and a lack of end product.
Despite those mixed reviews, Thomas Frank is said to be genuinely excited about the opportunity to work with Tel. According to Football.London, the Danish tactician has studied the young forward extensively and believes he has the attributes to thrive in the Premier League under the right guidance. Frank reportedly gave a strong endorsement to the club’s hierarchy before the deal was finalized, firmly believing Tel’s talent is worth developing.
Bayern Munich supporters have also expressed disappointment at the sale. Tel was seen as a rising star in Bavaria, and many fans felt he wasn’t given enough chances to flourish at the Allianz Arena. His departure has sparked frustration among some, particularly because of the belief that he still holds significant untapped potential.
Now, with a fresh start under a new manager, Tel may finally get the consistent role he needs to unlock his abilities. Notably, there are whispers that he may have been deployed out of position by Postecoglou, and that a more central role under Frank could prove to be the turning point in his young career.
Could Mathys Tel Be the Next Ollie Watkins?
There is growing optimism among Spurs supporters and pundits that Tel could develop in a similar manner to Ollie Watkins, the Aston Villa and England striker who blossomed under Thomas Frank at Brentford.
Football journalist Tom Barclay highlighted this comparison in a recent YouTube segment, drawing parallels between the two players’ early careers. He explained that Watkins originally played as a winger after joining Brentford from Exeter City and didn’t look like a central striker. However, after a few seasons and under the direct influence of Frank, he was transformed into a clinical centre-forward.
“The player Tel should be looking at for inspiration is Ollie Watkins,” Barclay said. “Watkins arrived at Brentford as a wide player and didn’t expect to play through the middle. But after Neal Maupay was sold, Thomas Frank gave him the belief and tactical backing to thrive as a striker—and the results spoke for themselves.”
If Frank can apply a similar developmental path with Tel, Spurs may end up with a formidable attacker on their hands. Given the manager’s strong track record with nurturing young talents, it’s not unrealistic to expect Tel to make significant progress under his stewardship.
A Defining Chapter Begins
As Tottenham enter a new era under Thomas Frank, the acquisition of Mathys Tel symbolizes the club’s commitment to long-term development and smart investment. While £30 million is a sizeable fee for a player still refining his game, Frank’s belief in the Frenchman could prove to be a masterstroke.
If Tel’s potential is harnessed correctly, this move might not only justify the transfer fee but also help Frank lay the foundation for a vibrant, attacking team built around youth, energy, and tactical flexibility.
For now, all eyes will be on how the young forward fares in preseason—and whether Thomas Frank can help him become Tottenham’s next breakout star.