Tel reveals close friend at Spurs encouraged move in first interview

Mathys Tel credited fellow Frenchman Wilson Odobert as a key influence in his decision to join Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day.

Initially reluctant to make the switch from Bayern Munich, Tel reconsidered after discussions with those close to him, ultimately finalizing his move to North London. The 19-year-old winger arrives on loan until the end of the season, with Spurs holding an option to make the deal permanent for £45 million, which would see him sign a six-year contract.

His arrival adds further depth to Ange Postecoglou’s attacking options, as Tottenham aim to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the campaign.

Tel, who has played alongside Odobert for the French youth teams, revealed that his friend played a crucial role in persuading him to join Spurs.

He spoke openly about their conversation, explaining that Odobert encouraged him to take the opportunity. The winger’s words reflected his enthusiasm for the move, emphasizing the strong friendship he shares with his compatriot.

Odobert assured him that Tottenham would be a great place to develop, describing the team and environment in a positive light. This advice, combined with Tel’s own aspirations for more playing time, influenced his final decision.

Beyond Odobert’s encouragement, Tel also sought the opinion of Harry Kane before completing the move. The former Tottenham captain, now his teammate at Bayern Munich, spoke highly of Spurs, reinforcing the idea that the club would be a strong platform for the young forward’s growth.

Kane’s words carried weight, as he remains a legendary figure at Tottenham and understands the club’s culture and ambitions.

Reports had initially suggested that Tel had rejected Tottenham’s approach, even after an agreement between Bayern and Spurs had been reached for a £50 million permanent transfer.

As the window neared its closure, it seemed increasingly likely that the young winger would remain in Germany. However, after a direct conversation with Postecoglou, Tel became convinced that Tottenham was the right place for him.

The manager assured him that he would receive regular minutes and have an essential role in the team’s plans for the season. This commitment from the club played a decisive role in shifting Tel’s stance, leading him to make the dramatic last-minute decision to join Spurs.

Reflecting on his choice, Tel described Tottenham as the best possible option for his development. He highlighted the strong commitment he felt from the club’s leadership, including conversations with the chairman and the manager.

As a young player eager to grow and refine his skills, he viewed Spurs as the ideal destination to progress in his career. His excitement was evident as he expressed his happiness in completing the move, showing confidence that he had made the right decision.

With his arrival, Tottenham now have a promising young talent who can add creativity and versatility to their attacking unit. The 19-year-old possesses pace, technical ability, and a sharp eye for goal, making him a valuable addition to Postecoglou’s squad.

While his loan spell provides an opportunity to assess his impact, the option to make the deal permanent suggests that Spurs see him as a potential long-term asset. If he adapts quickly and delivers strong performances, Tottenham may exercise their option to secure his services permanently in the summer.

Tel’s journey to North London highlights the importance of mentorship and peer influence in football transfers.

While contract negotiations and managerial assurances play a role, the advice of trusted friends and former club legends can often tip the scales in crucial decisions.

In this case, Odobert and Kane both played significant roles in guiding Tel toward choosing Spurs, and the young Frenchman now has the opportunity to prove that he made the right call.

As the season progresses, Tottenham fans will be eager to see how Tel integrates into the squad and whether he can make an immediate impact. With the club pushing for a strong finish in the Premier League and competing in cup competitions, his addition could provide a boost at a critical stage.

The coming months will determine whether Spurs secure him beyond his loan spell, but for now, Tel’s arrival represents a statement of intent from the club as they continue to build for the future.