Mathys Tel: Ange Postecoglou insists teenager did not initially reject Tottenham move from Bayern Munich
Updated 05/02/2025 at 23:01 GMT
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Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou insists Mathys Tel is 100% committed to the club, refuting reports that the forward initially rejected a move there. Tel has joined Spurs from Bayern Munich, initially on loan, with the London club holding a £47.5 million option to buy the player in the summer. There were claims that Tel had rejected a move, amid interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
'Tel never rejected Spurs' - Postecoglou denies reports on Tottenham's new signing
Video credit: SNTV
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has refuted claims that Mathys Tel initially rejected the club before his deadline day move from Bayern Munich.
The 19-year-old forward had reportedly cooled on a switch to Spurs, even after meeting chairman Daniel Levy, preferring a move to Manchester United or Arsenal.
But Tel has now joined Spurs, initially on loan, with a £47.5 million option to buy the player in the summer available to the London club.
Postecoglou has played down reports that Tel rejected Tottenham at any stage.
"I think people need to understand that you are talking about a 19-year-old who has to make a major decision for his career and it's not that he rejected us or rejected anyone else," Postecoglou said.
"I think he just wanted to be comfortable with his decision. I don't think he wanted to be pushed in a certain direction and it's credit to him.
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"I had a conversation with him and it was purely around the football and I think he'll find a really good place for him here."
Tel and fellow new signing Kevin Danso could make their debuts as early as Thursday night, when Spurs go to Liverpool aiming to protect their 1-0 first-leg lead and reach the Carabao Cup final.
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Postecoglou says Tottenham had to be 'patient' as he credits teenagers who 'stood up'
Video credit: TNT Sports
Postecoglou, who saw his team claim a morale-boosting Premier League win at Brentford on Sunday, was asked if he felt Tel was committed to Spurs.
"Yes, 100 per cent," Postecoglou said. "I am more than 100 per cent sure because he took so much time, was so diligent about finding out everything.
"He had other options so it gave me more confidence that we are getting the right kind of mentality, the right kind of player.
"He is very ambitious. He has a great self-belief and confidence. He feels he can reach the top of the game and he has chosen us which is great vindication of what we are doing."
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