Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has denied reports suggesting that 19-year-old forward Mathys Tel initially refused to join the club before his deadline-day transfer from Bayern Munich.
Reports emerged last week claiming that Tel had declined a move to Spurs despite meeting chairman Daniel Levy in Germany. However, the forward was later pictured en route to London and officially completed his move on transfer deadline day, joining on loan with a £47.5 million purchase option for the summer.
Addressing the speculation, Postecoglou clarified the situation: “I think people need to understand that you are talking about a 19-year-old who has to make a major decision for his career. It’s not that he rejected us or anyone else. He just wanted to be comfortable with his decision, and credit to him for that.”
Postecoglou also praised Tel’s diligence during the transfer process: “He took so much time and was very diligent about finding out everything. He had other options, which gives me even more confidence that we are getting the right mentality and player. He is ambitious and confident, and it’s great that he chose us.”
Tel may make his debut as Spurs travel to Anfield for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Liverpool on Thursday.
New defensive signing Kevin Danso is also available for selection, but key defenders Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero remain sidelined. Spurs are defending a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg.
