Maddison, Thierno Barry react to three-word message from Tottenham’s Mathys Tel
James Maddison and new Everton signing Thierno Barry reacted to a message from Tottenham’s striker Mathys Tel.
Spurs’ summer window got off to a slow start, thanks to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Ange Postecoglou.
But after hiring Thomas Frank to replace the outgoing Australian manager, the North London club have wasted little time in rebuilding the team that finished 17th last season.
Tottenham negotiated a lower fee for Tel from Bayern Munich, whilst Kota Takai has been signed from Kawasaki Frontale, and Mohammed Kudus has been brought in from West Ham.
Meanwhile, there are also deals for Ilya Zabarnyi from Bournemouth in the works, sources told Football Insider, and an offer was made for Morgan Gibbs-White, but that deal seems to have stalled out after Nottingham Forest accused Spurs of obtaining knowledge of his release clause illegally.
Tottenham are desperate to avoid another embarrassing Premier League campaign next term, and their summer business is evidence of their desire to return to contention for European qualification through the league.
And the club will also be aware of the need to add both quality and depth to Frank’s squad, as the North London side return to the Champions League after a two-season absence.
Mathys Tel ‘back to work’ ahead of important Tottenham campaign
Tel took to Instagram to share two photos of himself returning to Tottenham’s training ground as their pre-season campaign gets underway, captioned: “Back to work”.
The post was liked by Spurs teammate Maddison, and France Under-21 international teammate Barry, with the pair showing support for the young forward.
Mathys Tel set to become Tottenham’s first-choice left-winger
Football Insider Verdict
Despite beginning his career as a striker, Tel blossomed at left-wing during his stint on loan in North London last season.
The young Frenchman’s speed and technical ability on the ball is often hindered by being used in congested central areas, and using the 20-year-old out wide gives him the space to thrive.
Tel’s emergence at the position was likely one of the primary reasons behind Tottenham making his deal permanent this summer.
Spurs could be set to let go of both Richarlison and Son Heung-min this summer, leaving the club without their first and second choice left-wingers from last season.
With the more senior options potentially on their way out, it would be a surprise if Tel is not given the opportunity to make the position his own next term.