‘Mathys Tel to still reject Tottenham again as Real Madrid and Arsenal mooted’
Mathys Tel could still reject a move to join Tottenham permanently despite an option emerging in his loan switch to Ange Postecoglou’s side, according to Darragh MacAnthony.
Bayern Munich has agreed to send Tel on loan to Spurs with a £45 million buy option [Sky Sports]. If the option is activated, Tel would sign a six-year deal at the end of the season.
However, after initially rejecting a move to Tottenham before being talked round by Postecoglou amid a suspicion he would have preferred to join Arsenal or Man United, doubts remain over the agreement, with some speculating that Tel could still walk away if competition from Real Madrid or the Gunners materialises in the summer.
In a discussion on talkSPORT, MacAnthony asked journalist Alex Crook, “Does the player have the option to pull out of that [the buy option]?” to which Crook replied, “Of course. It’s more of a trial, isn’t it?”
Later in the show, sports broadcaster Ben Jacobs joined the conversation, with MacAnthony questioning Tel’s commitment.
MacAnthony said, “But the player can walk away as well” to which Jacobs replied, “True, but I don’t think he will if it works out.”
MacAnthony then posed a hypothetical scenario, “What if he comes in and scores 15 goals, and Real Madrid come in for him in the summer? Do Spurs win or lose?” Jacobs responded, “Well, Real Madrid is a very extreme scenario.”
MacAnthony followed up with, “What about Arsenal?” Jacobs conceded, “Possibly.”
Tottenham will benefit from Mathys Tel signing despite the risks involved
Football Insider Verdict
A number of clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Man United, were interested in signing Tel, but he ultimately chose to join Postecoglou’s side.
The talented young forward has struggled for opportunities at Bayern Munich under manager Vincent Kompany.
However, the 19-year-old, who can play on either wing or as a forward, has impressed with 12 goals and six assists in his first 60 Bundesliga appearances.
With a Europa League campaign still ongoing, and potential cup runs in the League Cup and FA Cup, squad depth is crucial for Spurs.
If the loan move proves successful, there’s a strong chance that Tel will remain with Tottenham beyond this season. If they were able to convince him to make the switch in the first place, there’s a high chance that option will be made permanent despite the links elsewhere.
There does remain a potential threat if he attracts huge interest elsewhere but Spurs needed help in attack now and if he proves a hit for the rest of the season that will still be a success.
In other news, Tottenham and Aston Villa fans have received an update around defensive target Axel Disasi.
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