Tottenham: James Maddison issues verdict on Mathys Tel as Ange Postecoglou ponders Heung-min Son replacement

Evening Standard

·30 April 2025

Tottenham: James Maddison issues verdict on Mathys Tel as Ange Postecoglou ponders Heung-min Son replacement

Spurs need a new face in attack for the Europa League semi-final first leg

In contention: Mathys Tel

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James Maddison has heaped praise on loanee Mathys Tel as Tottenham prepare to face Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-finals.

Tel joined Spurs from Bayern Munich in January, having initially rejected the move, and has gone on to score three goals in 14 appearances.

Spurs have the option to sign Tel permanently at the end of the season for around £45million amid reports that the club could negotiate a cheaper deal with Bayern keen to cash in.

Tel is in contention to start on Thursday night as Spurs welcome the Norwegian side to north London in the first leg of their last-four clash, with captain Heung-min Son having been ruled out with a foot injury.

And Maddison has been impressed by the young French forward’s impact.

Asked if he would pay £45m for Tel, Maddion replied: “I haven't got £45m!

“Mathys has been very good since he came in. Very direct player. I think he's done well.

“He hasn't played a lot, but he's come into the team recently. I'm there on the left and we've been developing more of a relationship there.

“Obviously, I know what Sonny is going to do there and it's about learning.”

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