Manchester United’s summer plans have been dealt an early blow as £17 million forward Mathys Tel seemingly rules out a Premier League switch by signing a new deal with Bayern Munich.
After reportedly showing an interest in Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting during January, Manchester United allegedly moved onto his fellow Bayern attacker once the winter window slammed shut.
And if 34-year-old Choupo-Moting was a target typical of Glazer-era United – a short-term sticking plaster slapped half-heartedly on long-term issue – then 18-year-old Mathys Tel felt like a fitting posterboy of a new, Ineos-led regime.
Manchester United, now under the control of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co, are shifting the club’s focus from big names and big reputations to potential and promise. According to Sky Deutschland‘s Florian Plettenberg, United have watched Tel ‘intensively’ of late, and even contacted the Frenchman’s camp to enquire about a potential summer transfer.
But, with the ink now drying on a new contract which could keep Tel in Bavaria until 2029, all those hours scouting the former Rennes wonderkid appear to have been spent in vain.
Mathys Tel off the table for Manchester United
“We’re delighted that Mathys Tel has extended his contract with Bayern,” says Max Eberl, a new member of the Bayern board. “He’s an important foundation for the future of this team.
“With him, we already have the next Bayern generation in our squad.”
Tel, an explosive right-footed left-winger in the Marcus Rashford mould, scored against Man United in the Champions League group-stages. The teenager took his tally to seven for the reason with a thumping Rashford-esque finish against Freiburg on Friday too.
“Every club wants players like Mathys Tel. Young, extremely talented, hungry and willing to learn,” sporting director Christoph Freund adds, highlighting a few of the attributes which presumably caught Man United’s eye too.
“The way he already plays at this level at the age of 18 is something special. He feels comfortable and at home here. Now we’re taking the next steps together and are looking forward to the coming years with him.”
Man United are reportedly showing an interest in a number of other teenage talents, including Benfica’s Joao Neves and Lille defender Leny Yoro.
Ineos are also keen to make Old Trafford home to some of England’s brightest homegrown talents, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite the priority at centre-half (Daily Mail).
United target signs new Bayern Munich contract
Tel, meanwhile, is likely to play a big part in Bayern’s future. Thomas Tuchel, the coach who has handed him only one league start all season, will also make way in May.
“This contract extension means a lot to me,” Tel smiles. “I’ve already learnt a lot at Bayern, both on and off the pitch. Munich has become a home for me and my family, and the fans are also very important to me.
“I can’t be the player I am without them. When you play for Bayern, you always want to win every trophy. I want to score and set up goals, play with heart and energy for Bayern, and give everything for this club and its fans.”
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