‘Excellent’: Alasdair Gold says he’s heard something about Mathys Tel ‘behind the scenes’ that’s really good
Tottenham Hotspur Secure First Signing of the Summer as Mathys Tel Joins Permanently
Tottenham Hotspur have officially completed their first signing of the 2025 summer transfer window, with young French forward Mathys Tel making his move to North London permanent. Tel initially joined Spurs on a loan deal during the latter half of last season, and the club has now acted quickly to secure his services on a full-time basis.
Despite a period of managerial uncertainty, with Ange Postecoglou being relieved of his duties following the conclusion of the campaign, chairman Daniel Levy remained committed to bringing Tel in permanently—honoring one of Postecoglou’s final transfer requests. The decision signals the club’s belief in Tel’s long-term potential, even as they undergo a managerial transition with Thomas Frank set to take the reins.
A Promising Talent With the Right Mentality
Although Tel’s impact during his loan spell may not have grabbed widespread headlines, those close to the club have been impressed by his mentality, professionalism, and character—key traits for a young player adapting to the demands of the Premier League. Speaking on the Gold and Guest Talk Tottenham podcast, Spurs insider Alasdair Gold offered deeper insight into how the 20-year-old forward is perceived within the club.
Gold revealed that coaches and staff see Tel as an individual with an exceptional attitude during training sessions and a positive influence in the dressing room. This strong work ethic and mental resilience have left a favorable impression on Tottenham’s backroom team, who believe Tel has the right attributes to grow into a valuable asset for the club.
> “I’ve spoken to people who are well-informed about him,” said Gold. “There’s a clear consensus that he’s very technically gifted and possesses an excellent training mentality. He’s regarded as a real team player—someone with a positive spirit who contributes to a healthy squad dynamic.”
Areas for Development: Strength and Finishing
While the club is optimistic about Tel’s potential, there is also an acknowledgment that he is still a work in progress. According to Gold, one of the key areas identified for improvement is Tel’s physical strength. Last season, the coaching staff reportedly put him through a rigorous fitness program designed to better prepare him for the physicality of English football.
Another area for development is his finishing ability. Although technically proficient, Tel has yet to consistently demonstrate clinical instincts in front of goal. His inconsistency in converting chances has been noted internally as a priority for coaching staff moving forward.
> “There’s no doubt he needs to become stronger and sharper when it comes to finishing,” Gold added. “But when you look at performances like his outing against Nottingham Forest, the club sees that as a glimpse of the player he could become. That match was referenced as a benchmark—something to build on.”
Experience Beyond His Years
Despite being just 20 years old, Mathys Tel brings with him valuable experience from his time at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, having previously played in the Champions League. His time on the continental stage has added maturity to his game, and Spurs believe that his exposure to high-pressure matches will serve him well as he continues to develop.
Tel’s age also works in his favor. At this early stage in his career, he has ample time to refine his game and establish himself as a top-level player. With a new season ahead under a fresh managerial approach from Thomas Frank, there is optimism that Tel could make significant strides forward.
A Key Piece in Tottenham’s Rebuild
As the first confirmed arrival of the summer, Tel’s signing could be the start of a larger rebuild at Tottenham, aimed at injecting youth and energy into the squad. The club is keen to improve on last season’s mixed results, and Tel is seen as someone who could play an increasingly influential role if he can translate his promise into performances on the pitch.
While his initial loan stint was somewhat underwhelming statistically, the raw tools are there. With a strong support system and the right guidance under Frank, Tel could very well rise to the challenge and become an important player in Spurs’ forward line for years to come.
Tottenham fans will be watching closely, hopeful that this investment in youth will pay off—not just in potential, but in consistent, match-winning contributions.