'We are speaking' – Bayern director confirms talks over potential Tottenham transfer

Tottenham are aiming to secure the permanent signing of Mathys Tel this summer after the young Frenchman spent the second-half of the 2024/25 season on loan at the club.

There was plenty of excitement surrounding Tel at the end of the January transfer window, who seemingly had his pick of clubs with Bayern keen to sell. Several Premier League teams supposedly boasted an interest, including Manchester United, but Ange Postecoglou's sweet-talking won Tel over.

The former Rennes starlet and Bayern's youngest-ever goalscorer joined the club on a temporary basis, and although he failed to set the world alight during his first six months in north London, there's certainly enough there to warrant the club attempting to sign Tel permanently.

Bayern director Max Eberl confirms Tottenham negotiations over Mathys Tel

There have been widespread reports of Spurs' willingess to retain Tel, but the club are keen to reduce the €55m option to buy clause attached to his loan.

Bayern director Max Eberl confirmed the discussions between the two clubs, which he said were "no secret" (via Bayern & Germany on X).

"We'll see what happens," Eberl added. It's clear that there's a desire on Bayern's behalf to sell despite their failure to retain Leroy Sane, who has signed a mammoth three-year contract with Galatasaray off the back of the best-scoring season of his career.

Tel was thrust into a difficult situation upon his arrival, and his loan was defined by highlights and moments as opposed to standout performances. Still, there's no denying the talent, and the risk is certainly worth taking if Spurs can negotiate a kinder purchase option. Perhaps somewhere in the region of €35m.

The 20-year-old has divided opinion, and there's undoubtedly a chunk of the fanbase who'd sleep happily if Tel never plays for the club again. Those of that opinion are well entitled to it, but to completely dismiss the French U21 international is unjust, and I'd be intrigued to see what Thomas Frank, now confirmed as Ange Postecoglou's successor, can get out of him.

We're talking about a manager who's evolved Yoane Wissa into a prolific Premier League forward.

An issue with Tel is that he doesn't quite know what he is yet. Is he a wide player, an inside forward or an outright nine? I'm sure Frank knows, and the young forward is one of the talents I expect to boom under the new boss if he does remain in north London.

Tel's combination of talent and mentality render him close to a sure thing... eventually. I want Spurs to be the harbourers of his development after stagnation in Munich.