Tottenham’s summer business promised fresh competition, but it has already left one young forward on the sidelines.
Mathys Tel, who made his move permanent from Bayern Munich in a reported £30 million deal, will not be part of Spurs’ Champions League squad for the league phase this season.
The French striker, just 20 years old, was expected to push for minutes after showing flashes during his loan spell.
Instead, manager Thomas Frank decided to leave him out, citing a need to balance the squad and comply with UEFA’s homegrown rules.
Injured playmaker James Maddison and midfielder Yves Bissouma also missed out, while new signing Randal Kolo Muani was included.
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Tel speaks out after Champions League snub
Tel revealed the tough conversation with Frank. “Quite simply, with respect. He called me, he simply told me his choice and then you could see the list appear on the networks,” the forward told Le Telegramme.
He admitted the omission was painful: “It’s clear that when you’re not on a list, it definitely hurts, but I’m someone who stays pretty positive… the coach’s choice is the coach’s choice, we can only respect it and we’re going to work to come back in the best possible way.”
Tel, who has featured for just 19 Premier League minutes this season, remains determined to make an impact domestically.
Speaking while on duty with France’s U21s, he stressed: “I am under contract with Tottenham, so I am a Tottenham player and I will do my best to be able to play quite simply.”
For Spurs fans, it’s a case of Tel waiting for his moment — and hoping he can turn domestic opportunities into something bigger.
The Champions League may have shut its door for now, but the Premier League schedule offers him the chance to force Frank’s hand.
Tottenham's league phase Champions League squad
| Position | No. | Player | Nation | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | 1 | Guglielmo Vicario | ITA | 28 |
| 31 | Antonín Kinský | CZE | 22 | |
| 40 | Brandon Austin | ENG | 26 | |
| Defenders | 4 | Kevin Danso | AUT | 26 |
| 13 | Destiny Udogie | ITA | 22 | |
| 17 | Cristian Romero | ARG | 27 | |
| 23 | Pedro Porro | ESP | 25 | |
| 24 | Djed Spence | ENG | 25 | |
| 33 | Ben Davies | WAL | 32 | |
| 37 | Micky van de Ven | NED | 24 | |
| Midfielders | 6 | João Palhinha | POR | 30 |
| 7 | Xavi Simons | NED | 22 | |
| 14 | Archie Gray | ENG | 19 | |
| 15 | Lucas Bergvall | SWE | 19 | |
| 20 | Mohammed Kudus | GHA | 25 | |
| 22 | Brennan Johnson | WAL | 24 | |
| 28 | Wilson Odobert | FRA | 20 | |
| 29 | Pape Sarr | SEN | 22 | |
| 30 | Rodrigo Bentancur | URU | 28 | |
| Forwards | 9 | Richarlison | BRA | 28 |
| 19 | Dominic Solanke | ENG | 27 | |
| 39 | Randal Kolo Muani | FRA | 26 |
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