It has not been an easy season for Bayern Munich's young French forward Mathys Tel, who now looks set to move away from the Allianz Arena before the end of the January transfer window.
After making 30 Bundesliga appearances last season, in which he scored seven goals and made five assists, Tel has been limited to just eight games this season, failing to find the net and setting up just a singular goal.
Although he is still only 19 years old, the player would have imaged that such a prolific breakout season would have led to him being afforded more game time in 2024/25. In actual fact, it has been quite the opposite.
Harry Kane's blistering run of 17 goals in 18 games has led to the English forward becoming impossible to drop, and a winger rotation of Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane and Michael Olise has made it hard for Tel to make inroads into the team.
Now, with doubt looming over his future in Munich, multiple Premier League clubs are lining up to take him to England, with Ruben Amorim's Manchester United currently the bookies' favourite to secure his services in the near future.
Current favourites
Manchester United
Amorim's Red Devils have often looked bereft of ideas going forward this season, with particular criticism being directed towards Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund. It has been an especially abject season for the Danish forward, who has managed just six shots on target in 18 appearances, finding the net a paltry two times.
Despite an unbeaten campaign in the Europa League, United sit in 12th place in the Premier League, 11 points adrift of Newcastle in fifth, who are looking to stake their claim on a spot in next season's Champions League. With things looking bleak for Amorim regarding European qualification, adding Tel to the squad could add a burst of pace and creativity that has often been lacking this term.
Despite only starting six times last year, Tel managed 0.26 xA per 90 minutes, as well as 0.45 xGOT per game. To have registered 12 goal contributions in 1031 total minutes is an impressive feat, and demonstrates just how clinical the French forward can be. A lively and electric youngster has the potential to partner well with breakout star Amad Diallo, which could lead to United's season being turned around as it reaches the last 15 games.
At 6/4, punters should back Tel to move to Old Trafford as soon as possible.
Arsenal
However, at 7/4, Arsenal should also not be discounted from securing the signature of the French teenager. Mikel Arteta's side have come under a lot of scrutiny for their laborious and dull approach to games and, with injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus hampering their progress, they have struggled to keep pace with league-leaders Liverpool.
Despite having found the net eight times this season, Kai Havertz has also come under fire for his poor performances, and so purchasing a backup who has a proven record of clinical finishing could revolutionise the Gunners' frontline. Capable of playing anywhere across the front three, Tel's versatility could be crucial if Mikel Arteta's side are to have any chance of catching Arne Slot's side.
The 19-year-old would also arrive with a point to prove, eager to get his name back in the headlines and secure some consistent playing time. Bookies currently have the Emirates priced at 7/4 to be Tel's next destination.
Chelsea
An outside chance, Enzo Maresca's Chelsea have been given 14/1 odds to bring Tel to Stamford Bridge. However, with the breadth of attacking options already at the Italian's disposal, it would seem a rather unintelligent move for the young forward, as he is seeking guaranteed game time.
Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto have already had to tussle for minutes since arriving at the Bridge, so it would appear likely that the situation would be no different for Tel.
Due to Chelsea's spending spree in recent seasons, a move for the Bayern striker should not be discounted, but with Nicolas Jackson having racked up nine goals this season, it would certainly be tough for the player to displace his Senegalese counterpart. 14/1 odds would provide a good return, but other clubs appear to be ahead of Chelsea in the pecking order.
Lifelong Ipswich Town supporter who recently graduated from Durham University in French and German. Have developed a passion for European football based on my links abroad and am an avid supporter of Werder Bremen and Auxerre. Joined the MFT team in October 2024 and looking to take my first steps into the world of football journalism.
