Report: Spurs urged to act fast as new boss eyes key £45m transfer move
Report: Frank Urges Spurs to Sign Tel as Transfer Talks with Bayern Loom
Tottenham Hotspur are wasting no time in reshaping their future, with Brentford boss Thomas Frank reportedly set to take charge and already influencing their transfer policy. According to TEAMtalk, Frank has made clear to the Spurs hierarchy that he wants the club to sign Mathys Tel permanently, following a promising loan spell at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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This comes just weeks after Spurs lifted the Europa League trophy — their first major honour in 17 years — with a tense 1-0 win over Manchester United. Ironically, that silverware was not enough to save Ange Postecoglou's job, with Daniel Levy acting swiftly to make a change at the helm. It appears Levy now sees Frank as the man to lead Spurs into a new era, one built on high pressing, energy and, crucially, young talent like Tel.
Tel's profile fits Frank's vision
Frank's admiration for Tel is more than superficial. Sources close to TEAMtalk indicate that Frank values the 20-year-old's adaptability, relentless work ethic and attacking flair. Tel's direct style, described by James Maddison as that of a 'very direct player' who has 'done well', suits Frank's high-octane philosophy perfectly.
Tel's technical skills and positional intelligence have already won over sections of the Spurs support. His ability to drift between the lines, burst past defenders, and apply pressure from the front is precisely the kind of forward play that defined Frank's success at Brentford. The Dane sees Tel as an ideal fit for a refreshed Tottenham frontline, potentially playing off the shoulder of a central striker or drifting inside from wide areas.
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Tel's time in north London has evidently been a success. Signed on loan from Bayern Munich in January, he has grown in confidence and influence, and crucially, he is reportedly eager to extend his stay. 'Sources have told TEAMtalk that Tel himself is enthusiastic about staying at Tottenham, drawn by the club's ambitious project and the fact he has enjoyed his time in London and at the club.'
Photo IMAGO
Of course, sentiment alone will not finalise the transfer. Tel remains under contract at Bayern Munich, and while the Bundesliga champions are open to a sale, they are reportedly ready to drive a hard bargain.
Spurs currently hold a £45million purchase option, but sources suggest that negotiations are already in motion to reduce that fee. Daniel Levy, well known for his tough negotiating style, will likely seek to trim the cost while leveraging Tel's settled position in London.
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Tottenham are hoping that Tel's desire to stay — and his willingness to work under Frank — could tip the scales. For now, there's cautious optimism within the club that a deal can be struck.
Strengthening for the Champions League push
Tottenham's ambitions for next season are clear. With Champions League football secured via their Europa League triumph, the club are aiming for a more consistent domestic campaign, and the retention of talents like Tel could play a pivotal role in that mission.
Frank's early push for Tel suggests he views the Frenchman as a cornerstone for his tactical rebuild. Given the uncertainty surrounding other attacking targets such as Bryan Mbeumo, and with Spurs also linked to alternatives at Everton and Crystal Palace, locking down a proven internal option might be the most pragmatic move.
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In a market flooded with inflated prices and speculative talent, Tel offers Tottenham both continuity and potential. And with Frank eager to get started, sealing this deal swiftly could be the first significant step in defining the new Spurs era.
Photo: IMAGO
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
From a Spurs fan's viewpoint, the pursuit of Mathys Tel is not just a sensible move — it's a vital one. At just 20, Tel has already shown he has the tools to be an important contributor in a team that's about to embark on a Champions League campaign. His performances since January have been promising, even electrifying at times. We've seen players come in on loan and fade, but Tel has done the opposite. He's grown.
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Thomas Frank's desire to retain Tel only adds to the optimism. The Danish manager's attacking football at Brentford was thrilling, and his emphasis on intelligent pressing and positional interchange is a breath of fresh air. Tel fits that system, and crucially, he wants to be here.
Supporters are used to transfer sagas dragging on, especially under Levy's watch, but this is one deal that needs early closure. If Tel is happy, Frank is keen and the price is negotiable, why wait? Securing Tel sends a message — that this rebuild isn't just talk. It's action. We've waited 17 years for silverware. Let's not wait another 17 to build on it.
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New York Times
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We need to constantly remind ourselves of what we have, even on a day when it's grey or we are losing or a day where I wake up with big ambitions, because it's not always better on the other side.' Frank's stock was at its highest by the end of that campaign as Brentford finished ninth and narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Europa League. They recorded memorable victories over Manchester United, Liverpool and his future employers Spurs. Antonio Conte was sacked by Tottenham in March but Frank was overlooked and they hired Postecoglou instead. In the 2023-24 season, Brentford struggled with injuries and Toney's eight-month suspension for betting offences, finishing 16th. Yet it did not damage Frank's reputation and he spoke with senior figures at Manchester United around the FA Cup final when they were considering sacking Erik ten Hag. Then he reached the final two for the vacancy at Chelsea but was overlooked for Enzo Maresca. In an interview with The Athletic in May 2024, he said he had 'close to the perfect football life at Brentford'. 'I can see myself being here for a long period,' Frank added. 'Can I stay here for seven more years? I don't know and that's not that I don't love Brentford, it's just: do I want to try something different? But I'm very aware the grass is not greener in the garden next door even if it looks like it. Then you get in there, take a closer look and see there are a lot of weeds in the grass.' Just over a year later and Frank has been convinced to sacrifice his near 'perfect football life'. There are lots of issues to solve at Spurs but he has not been deterred by the challenge. The Athletic reported in March that Postecoglou's long-term future was in serious doubt and that Frank, Fulham's Marco Silva and Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola were identified by Spurs as potential replacements. Iraola was their top target but he decided to stay at Bournemouth. There was a mixed reaction at Brentford. Some senior figures were not too concerned because they had become used to the constant interest in Frank. Others were worried as they thought Spurs would be the perfect fit. He would be reunited with Lange, inherit a young squad with vast potential and would not have to relocate from his family home in west London. Multiple club sources during conversations with The Athletic wondered if potential new investment — owner Matthew Benham has been open to selling a minority stake for the past few years — would tempt him into staying. Equipped with better resources, Brentford could then consistently challenge in the top half of the table. Advertisement Towards the end of the season, it became clear Spurs had made Frank their top choice and that he wanted the role. Frank's pre-existing relationship with Lange helped and Levy has been a big fan for some time. Lange was heavily involved but Levy drove the pursuit. 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