“No way…” – Dan Kilpatrick shares what club officials have said behind the scenes about Mathys Tel

Mathys Tel’s arrival at Tottenham Hotspur on loan from Bayern Munich has sparked mixed reactions, with opinions divided on whether the young French forward has lived up to expectations.

According to Dan Kilpatrick of the Tottenham Way Podcast, two Fulham officials were overheard discussing Tel’s performances, and their views couldn’t have been more different.

While one dismissed the idea of Tel being worth the reported £60 million loan-to-buy option, the other saw potential in the 19-year-old, leaving the “jury still out” on his impact in North London.

Tel made a promising start to his Spurs career, scoring on his first start in the FA Cup against Aston Villa in early February. However, since then, he has struggled to make a significant impact, failing to score or assist in his subsequent five starts.

His limited involvement in key matches, including being left on the bench against Bournemouth and AZ Alkmaar, has raised questions about his consistency and readiness for the Premier League.

Kilpatrick shared the conversation he overheard between the Fulham officials, highlighting the contrasting opinions. “One of them was like, I don’t see it at all. I don’t see it, 60 million, no way,” Kilpatrick recounted. “And the other one was like, I don’t know, actually. I thought he was pretty good. He’s pretty bright. He’s obviously young, but you could see his talents. So, you know, the jury is still out.”

Tel’s journey to Tottenham has been an intriguing one. After bursting onto the scene at Bayern Munich during the 2022/23 season, he scored six goals in 28 appearances as a teenager.

The following season, he truly shone, reaching double figures in all competitions despite being a squad player. However, under Vincent Kompany’s management at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, Tel struggled to find the net, prompting his loan move to Spurs.

Despite his struggles, Tel’s potential is undeniable. At just 19 years old, he has already achieved more than most players his age, and his raw talent is evident in his ability to create chances and take shots.

His statistics show that he ranks second in shots per game for Tottenham, indicating his willingness to take risks in the final third. However, his overall match rating of 6.42 places him 23rd in the squad, reflecting the inconsistency that has plagued his early days in the Premier League.

For Tottenham and manager Ange Postecoglou, the decision to activate Tel’s permanent transfer in the summer will require careful consideration. While his performances have been mixed, his age and potential suggest that patience could be key to unlocking his full abilities.

Postecoglou has a reputation for developing young talent, and Tel could thrive under his guidance if given time to adapt to the demands of English football.

The debate over Tel’s value and future at Tottenham is far from settled. While some see him as a risky investment, others believe his talent and work ethic make him a worthwhile project.

As the season progresses, Tel will need to seize every opportunity to prove his critics wrong and demonstrate why he deserves a long-term role at Spurs. For now, the jury remains out, but the young Frenchman has the tools to turn the tide in his favor.