Tottenham Hotspur are quietly reviewing their squad as the January transfer window moves forward, and while there is no sense of panic or desire for a major rebuild, a few situations inside the group are beginning to demand attention.
Under Thomas Frank, Spurs have been focused on stability and balance, but that does not mean every player is fully satisfied with their role. As the weeks pass, it has become clear that one attacking player in particular is growing frustrated with his lack of involvement and is now considering a short-term exit.
Tottenham are aware that January can create unexpected opportunities, both incoming and outgoing. Across Europe, clubs are watching Premier League squads closely, looking for talented players who are not getting enough minutes and could benefit from a temporary move.
Spurs understand this reality and appear open to being flexible if the right proposal arrives. That openness now applies to Mathys Tel, a player who arrived with high expectations but has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
Recent reports suggest Tottenham are willing to listen to loan offers for Tel during this window. The 21-year-old forward is believed to be unhappy with how little he has featured under Frank and wants to play more consistently while he is still at a crucial stage of his development.
Those close to the situation indicate that discussions behind the scenes have not been smooth, with Tel feeling that promises about his role have not fully materialised. While there is no suggestion of a permanent split at this stage, a temporary move is being viewed as a sensible solution for all parties.
Tel joined Spurs last summer in a £30 million deal after initially arriving on loan from Bayern Munich earlier in the year. At the time, the transfer was seen as a statement of intent, with Tottenham securing a young attacker who had already shown flashes of real quality at the top level.
However, the season has not unfolded as Tel would have hoped. His minutes have been limited, with just a handful of league starts and only two goals scored across all competitions. In total, he has played just over 400 minutes, often appearing from the bench and rarely getting the chance to build momentum.
For a player described by many as “unbelievable” in terms of raw talent, that lack of rhythm has been difficult to accept. Tel is ambitious and believes he needs regular football to continue improving.
From Tottenham’s point of view, they still see him as a valuable asset, but they also recognise that keeping an unhappy player on the sidelines benefits no one. A loan move could allow Tel to regain confidence, sharpen his match fitness, and return to North London better prepared to compete for a place.
Interest is already growing. Galatasaray are closely monitoring the situation and have identified Tel as a potential addition to their attacking options. The Turkish giants are keen to add more flexibility and pace to their forward line, and Tel’s ability to play through the middle or out wide makes him an appealing target.
While no formal offer has yet been submitted, Galatasaray are said to be ready to act if Tottenham’s demands are reasonable. Financial details remain unclear, but the interest is genuine and ongoing.
Galatasaray are not alone. Italian side AS Roma have also made contact with Tel’s representatives to explore the possibility of a January move. Roma are weighing up their options and could provide strong competition if Tottenham officially signal that a loan deal is available.
For Tel, the choice of destination will be important. He wants assurances over playing time, tactical fit, and a clear role within the team, rather than simply moving for the sake of it.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are carefully considering their next step. Thomas Frank must decide whether allowing Tel to leave weakens the squad in the short term or actually helps the player and the club in the long run.
With interest building and the player eager for change, the situation feels increasingly likely to reach a conclusion before the window closes.
For now, nothing is final, but the signs point towards a temporary separation. Tel wants to play, Tottenham want harmony within the squad, and several clubs are ready to offer a solution. If the right deal is agreed, this could be a move that benefits everyone involved.
