New Tottenham signing Mathys Tel has described his decision to leave Bayern Munich for Ange Postecoglou’s side as the “best option” for his career, despite previously declining a move to the North London club.
The 19-year-old French forward made the switch from the Bundesliga giants to Spurs on transfer deadline day, following a sudden change of heart.
The deal sees him join on an initial loan, with an option to buy for a fee believed to be around £50 million. This season, Tel has found opportunities limited at Bayern, featuring in only eight league matches.
Speaking for the first time as a Spurs player, he said: “I’m very excited play with my team-mates, for the fans. That’s a new challenge for me, a new chapter to open. Very excited about it.
“Why I chose Tottenham, because that was the best option for me, what was important for me. I felt the commitment, I spoke with the president (chairman Daniel Levy), talked with the manager.
“I’m young. I’ve started to grow up and this was the best option for me and I’m very happy.”
Tel is one of three new first-team additions made by Spurs in January, and there will be high expectations for him to make an immediate impact as the club seeks to turn around what has been a disappointing season. The forward netted 16 goals in 83 appearances during his time at Bayern.
Mathys Tel’s first interview has landed 📥 pic.twitter.com/OUJZkaFwuX
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 4, 2025
Spurs have endured a tough run in the Premier League, securing just two wins in their last 12 matches, which has left them sitting 14th in the table.
However, signs of improvement appeared with a 2-0 win over Brentford on Sunday, and they have advanced to the last-16 of the Europa League.
Tottenham will head to Anfield on Thursday with a 1-0 advantage in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Liverpool, a match that could see Tel make his debut for the club.
“I think I am a physical player, fast, technical,” Tel added.
“I play every moment, every game with my heart. I live with this pressure. I always have to push myself to go up and look forward.”
Tel also revealed that his decision to join Spurs was influenced by fellow France Under-21 international Wilson Odobert.
“I talked with Wilson, he told me you have to come here. He’s my friend, I played with him in the French team, we are good friends. He told me come, it’s a great team and you will see. It’s very nice.
“Football is a dream for me, to play with the first team, for the best in the world.
“I’m ready for every game. That’s why I’m there. I know what I have to do for Tottenham, for the team, for the fans, and I hope I am going to do it.”