Tottenham Hotspur are on the verge of finalizing a permanent deal for French forward Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich, with negotiations between the two clubs reportedly reaching an advanced stage. The 20-year-old, who has been on loan at Spurs since January 2025, has impressed enough to convince the North London club to pursue a long-term agreement, marking a significant move in their summer transfer strategy.
Tel, a versatile and highly-rated attacker, joined Tottenham on a six-month loan in the winter transfer window, with the deal including an option to buy for approximately €60 million (£45.7 million). However, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has been keen to negotiate a lower fee, and recent reports indicate that Bayern are open to a deal worth around €35 million (£30 million), in addition to the €10 million loan fee already paid. This reduced price reflects Bayern’s willingness to raise funds for other transfer targets, including high-profile forwards like Athletic Club’s Nico Williams and AC Milan’s Rafael Leão, as the Bundesliga giants look to bolster their attacking options.
Since arriving at Tottenham, Tel has made 20 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing one assist. His performances, particularly in the latter stages of his loan spell, have showcased his potential as a dynamic forward capable of playing across the front line. Despite a slow start, Tel’s work rate and commitment have won over fans and coaching staff alike, with new Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank giving his approval for the permanent transfer. Frank, who replaced Ange Postecoglou earlier this week, is said to view Tel as a key part of his plans to rebuild the squad following a disappointing Premier League campaign, despite Spurs’ Europa League triumph in the 2024-25 season.
The negotiations have progressed swiftly, with sources suggesting that an agreement could be finalized within the next 48 hours. Sky Germany and BILD have reported that both clubs are close to a resolution, with Tel himself expressing enthusiasm for remaining in North London. In a recent interview with Spurs’ in-house media, Tel described Tottenham as “a big family” and hinted at his desire to stay, stating, “Tottenham is not just a club, it is everything for us.” His positive experience at the club, coupled with the opportunity to develop under Frank’s guidance, has strengthened Tottenham’s position in securing his signature.
Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl confirmed ongoing talks with Tottenham, noting that the club is open to a permanent transfer for Tel, who was not included in Vincent Kompany’s Club World Cup squad and is currently representing France at the European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia. Bayern’s willingness to negotiate a lower fee than the original option-to-buy clause is partly driven by their need to raise funds after losing players like Thomas Müller and Leroy Sané on free transfers, leaving their attacking unit depleted.
For Tottenham, securing Tel’s services represents a coup, particularly at a reported fee of £30 million, which is significantly lower than the initial £45.7 million option. The deal is expected to be the first major signing of the Thomas Frank era, with the former Brentford manager also reportedly keen on reuniting with Cameroon forward Bryan Mbeumo, another potential target for Spurs this summer. Tel’s versatility, youth, and high ceiling make him an exciting addition to a Tottenham side looking to bounce back from a fourth-bottom finish in the Premier League.