(Credit: Imago)

Mathys Tel 'frustration' arises already amid early Tottenham exit talk

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

15 Sep 2025, 7:25 am

Mathys Tel only joined Tottenham permanently this summer, but he has already cut a divisive figure.

Tel has endured some torrid moments for Spurs already this season, missing his penalty against PSG before being left out of Thomas Frank's Champions League squad.

However, Frank gave the Frenchman a rare start when Tottenham dismantled West Ham 3-0 in their latest Premier League outing.

While the forward will be striving to make a positive impact in North London, some regrets over his transfer have already emerged.

Tottenham star Mathys Tel stands with his mouth open during a warmup.

The 20-year-old will be hoping for more starts (Credit: Imago)

This article includes exclusive comments from Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham.

Tottenham may have Mathys Tel transfer regret

It has already been suggested that Tel could leave Spurs on loan after he was ostracised from Frank's Champions League squad.

Indeed, despite starting against the Hammers, the North London club might look back and wonder if they should have struck a different deal with Bayern Munich.

Now, Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham – speaking exclusively to Tottenham News – has shared his thoughts on Tel.

Tel managed four goal contributions in 15 Premier League appearances last season
He has no goal contributions in three league appearances this season
Finished with an xG of 0.02 against West Ham

“Is there a feeling of hindsight that maybe they should have approached Bayern to take him on loan for a second season rather than committing to the purchase?” Wenham said.

“Is there a feeling that the characteristics and style he's got are quite similar to what we already have in Wilson Odobert, who we’d committed to buy the year before?

“So Tel will have to just knuckle down and work hard now, but obviously, the frustration was there with the level and quality of those finishes for France. And then you watch the disappointing penalty in the Super Cup. It's frustrating.”

Tottenham forward Mathys Tel in action during a game for France.

Tel has been in good form for the France under-21s (Credit: Imago)

What next for Mathys Tel at Spurs?

The forward started up top for the Lilywhites against West Ham and did little to inspire despite an emphatic team performance.

Tel managed to muster just one blocked shot in 79 minutes and struggled to cause any threat in a rare audition.

In truth, the 20-year-old has looked better out wide, and Frank was experimenting, given the impending Champions League clash with Villarreal.

However, it appears that the Frenchman will find starting opportunities sparse, and he simply must take any chance that comes his way.

Tel may get more opportunities in the domestic cups, but that may not be enough for him to make a telling impact.

Indeed, if he carries on in the same vein, then a loan move could be sanctioned in January.

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John Wenham

Mathys Tel