Credit: Imago

Bryan King

Wed 11 June 2025 12:10, UK

Tottenham’s hierarchy have come under scrutiny for their failure to make inroads in the summer transfer window.

All the focus has been on the managerial situation, although that looks set to be resolved with the impending arrival of Thomas Frank.

Daniel Levy, so often in the spotlight at Spurs, has been hesitant to sanction any signings before getting the seal of approval from Ange Postecoglou’s replacement.

The Londoners have been linked with a plethora of players, but Tottenham fans are growing impatient as other clubs have already acquired their top targets.

Johan Lange has also been a victim of criticism for his role in the transfer market, with the latest update on Mathys Tel casting further doubt on his reputation.

Tottenham are looking to sign Tel on a permanent deal

Tel looks set to sign for Tottenham permanently after the Bayern Munich ace spent the second half of the season on loan in North London.

Levy will aim to negotiate a lower fee than the initial £45million buy-option that was included in Tel’s loan agreement, with the Frenchman thought to be keen to remain at Tottenham.

Tel did not get off to a good start to life in the capital, but his influence in games steadily increased as the 20-year-old acclimatised to his new surroundings.

However, ex-Spurs scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – doesn’t think Tottenham should pursue a permanent deal, and has blasted Lange’s persistence to get it over the line.

“I heard that Lange is trying to keep Tel at Tottenham,” King said.

“That is a waste of time for me. Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Tel – three forwards who would cost £150million. If Tel can’t get in the Bayern Munich side, why should he start for Tottenham?

“All this talk about Lange working hard to make sure the Tel deal is permanent. Why? I don’t think he is good enough.”

Tottenham yet to see Tel’s full potential

Tel was initially brought in by Postecoglou as emergency cover for Solanke and Richarlison, who were both injured over the Christmas period.

The young forward was immediately placed up front, despite it not being his favoured position and having only clocked 253 minutes in the Bundesliga with his parent club all season.

Tel struggled to score goals in an already dysfunctional team and was physically dominated by Premier League centre-backs.

However, once he moved to his favoured left-hand side as the two strikers returned to fitness, his performances improved, and he proved he could yet live up to his reputation as one of Europe’s leading talents.