King Exclusive: Tottenham star to push for January Euro move amid Champions League announcement
Mathys Tel’s Tottenham Future Under Increasing Scrutiny
Mathys Tel’s long-term prospects at Tottenham Hotspur have come under serious question in recent weeks, with growing uncertainty surrounding his role under head coach Thomas Frank.
The French forward, who joined Spurs permanently from Bayern Munich earlier this summer for around £30 million following an initial loan spell, was expected to kick on and establish himself as a central figure in North London. However, the reality has been far less promising.
So far this season, Tel has yet to start a competitive match for Tottenham, with Frank limiting the 20-year-old to brief substitute appearances. The club’s significant late-summer acquisition of Xavi Simons has only heightened competition for attacking places, further diminishing Tel’s chances of carving out consistent minutes in the final third.
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Champions League Omission Raises Concerns
The situation reached a new low when Frank made the difficult decision to omit Tel from Tottenham’s Champions League squad for the group stage. Spurs were restricted to naming a reduced 22-man squad due to a lack of club-trained players, which meant both Tel and midfielder Yves Bissouma were left out.
For Tel, the exclusion is a particularly bitter pill to swallow. After Tottenham committed to making his move permanent, the Frenchman would have hoped to showcase his ability on Europe’s biggest stage. Instead, he now faces an uphill battle to even make Frank’s matchday squads for domestic fixtures.
Former Spurs scout Bryan King, speaking to Tottenham News, believes this development could be the beginning of the end for Tel’s time in North London.
“I’ve never fancied him, to be honest,” King admitted. “I don’t think he’s a £30 million player. He’s not the type who’s going to turn a game for you. Even under Ange Postecoglou, he was never a regular starter. Now he’s been left out of the Champions League squad — that sends a strong signal. I’d imagine both he and his agent will be pushing for a move, possibly back to the Bundesliga, when the January window opens.”
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Why a Loan Move Could Make Sense
Despite doubts over his suitability for Spurs, there is little question about Tel’s raw potential. At just 20 years of age, he remains one of the most highly regarded young forwards in Europe, but regular game time is essential for his development.
At Tottenham, that pathway appears blocked. Frank has an array of attacking talent at his disposal — including Randal Kolo Muani, Richarlison, Simons, and Son Heung-min’s recent replacement — leaving Tel on the fringes.
Given his situation, a loan move in January could be the most logical step. A temporary switch, whether within the Premier League or abroad, would provide Tel with the minutes he desperately needs while allowing Tottenham to monitor his progress from a distance.
A spell elsewhere in England could be particularly valuable, helping him adapt to the physicality and pace of the league, while also keeping him close enough for Spurs to reassess his future next summer.
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A Defining Few Months Ahead
The coming months could prove decisive for Mathys Tel. If his situation does not improve, Tottenham may face mounting pressure from both the player and his representatives to sanction an exit. While the club may be reluctant to give up on such a costly signing so soon, the balance between protecting his value and ensuring his development will be key.
For now, Tel remains a Spurs player, but with Champions League football out of reach and Premier League minutes scarce, his future at N17 is shrouded in doubt. January could be the moment when decisive action is taken — whether that be a loan move to rejuvenate his career or the start of negotiations for a permanent return to Germany.