Bavarian Football Works

The drama surrounding Mathys Tel around deadline day of the winter transfer window was extraordinary. With the 19-year-old making the decision to leave Bayern Munich just days before the window closing, long standing interest from Arsenal FC, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur was re-ignited and led to a dramatic race for the French top talent. In the end, Tottenham were the ones to secure Tel’s signature, though not before they had been rejected a few days prior despite Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy flying over to seal the deal himself.

So what happened? Why did Tel do such a dramatic U-turn? Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou (try saying that name three times fast), who held a conversation with the youngster that was said to have changed his mind, gave his opinion on the matter:

“People need to understand we’re talking about a 19-year-old player with a major decision. It’s not so much about rejecting us or anyone. He wanted to be comfortable with the decision. He didn’t want to be pushed in a certain direction, credit to him,” the Greek born manager said, via @iMiaSanMia. “I had a conversation with him and purely around the football and that I think he’ll find a great place here in terms of where he is in his career. We’ve shown irrespective of age, he’ll get an opportunity, and the way we play will suit him and what we have in the next few months and beyond, it’s a perfect fit.

“It is right that it took as long as it did so he’s comfortable with it. That he took so much time and was diligent, and made the decision when he had options, it meant the right mentality, right player, he’s ambitious, with self belief and self confidence and feels he can reach the very top.”

So...it was a mix between making a difficult decision at an age notorious for poor decision making, not wanting to be pushed around by others (Was it Bayern pushing him to make the move? Tottenham? Both?) and taking the time to make the most informed decision. That sounds about right.

Looking for thoughts and analysis on Bayern Munich’s upcoming Bundesliga tilt vs. Werder Bremen? Awesome, then check out the Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show on Patreon, Spotify, or below:

Bayern Munich board member for sport Max Eberl thinks that Mathys Tel is in a terrific position to improve, now that he is settling into his new home — on loan with Tottenham Hotspur.

“Mathys came to Bayern as a very young player and developed at the highest level here. He hasn’t got the game time he wanted of late, so came to us with the desire to move. We’ve now developed a set-up that offers Mathys, Bayern and Tottenham an excellent opportunity,” Eberl said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia).

Ultimately, the jury is out on this move until Tel starts to play. The youngster needs minutes and he needs to gain experience — two things that were unlikely to happen during the second half of the season at Bayern Munich. If — for whatever reason — Tel does not get the game time he needs, this move could represent another lost opportunity for the Frenchman.

Looking to catch up on all of the weekend’s action? Awesome, then check out the Bavarian Podcast Works — Bundesliga Rundown with Marcus Iredahl. You can get the podcast on Patreon, Spotify, and below:

According to a report from Bild journalist Christian Falk (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), Bayern Munich will get €10 million from Tottenham Hotspur as a loan fee for Mathys Tel.

Falk also clarified the exact situation with the option to buy that is included in the deal:

Bayern will receive a loan fee worth up to €10m for Mathys Tel. At first a straight loan was considered, but then Spurs insisted on an option to buy, which Bayern set at the €60m previously agreed. Spurs can only activate it if Tel himself agrees to a permanent move.

Tel, who shot down a full transfer from Tottenham Hotspur last Friday before agreeing to a deal with him on Monday, was asked if he and Harry Kane had a chance to talk about the move. Tel’s response was captured by @iMiaSanMia):

Looking to catch up on all of the weekend’s action? Awesome, then check out the Bavarian Podcast Works — Bundesliga Rundown with Marcus Iredahl. You can get the podcast on Patreon, Spotify, and below:

Multiple reports now indicate that Tottenham Hotspur have secured a buy option in the transfer deadline day loan deal for FC Bayern striker Mathys Tel.

Tel previously turned down a permanent move to Spurs that would have seen Bayern Munich collect a €60M transfer fee. However, now he has options open — including a return to Bayern, or a move to another team also submitting an acceptable offer.

From Sky as of Monday afternoon, Eastern Time:

Tottenham Hotspur’s deal to sign Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich on loan will include an option to buy. Sky Sports News understands Tel is in England ahead of a proposed move to Spurs ⏳

Additionally from Evening Standard Chief Correspondent Dan Kilpatrick, as captured via @iMiaSanMia:

Tottenham have agreed a buy option in Mathys Tel’s loan move from Bayern Munich

Spurs will be able to sign the player permanently at the end of the season.

Is Tel leaving the door back to Bayern open just a crack — because he feels like such an insomniac? — or is he just that unconvinced by a permanent Spurs move?

Regardless, he will have the next three months and change to show what he can do under Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou.

Update — January 31st, 5:35PM EST: Aston Villa, Chelsea out on Tel

According to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins, Chelsea FC and Aston Villa are out of the race on Bayern Munich attacker Mathys Tel. Is the Frenchman is to leave Bayern Munich, Arsenal FC and Manchester United are now his top options:

Mathys Tel has rejected Tottenham’s offer. He prefers to stay at Bayern rather than join Spurs

It will be either Manchester United or Arsenal or he will stay at Bayern

❌ Chelsea, Aston Villa are no longer in the race

@RMCsport

Update — January 31st, 4:35PM EST: Tel would rather sit at Bayern than play for Spurs...yikes

This story, man...it just keeps going.

Bayern Munich wanted to send youngster Mathys Tel to Tottenham Hotspur on a lucrative loan-with-an-obligation-to-buy deal, but the attacker rejected it.

How he rejected it, though, it kind of crazy (per Sky Sport journalists Florian Plettenberg and Kerry Hau):

As just exclusively revealed, Mathys #Tel is now seriously considering staying at FC Bayern!

… after rejecting Tottenham today.

Bayern were determined to finalize Tel’s transfer to Tottenham today. However, Tel decided to reject Tottenham’s offer. He informed Bayern if there are only two options - signing for Tottenham or staying at Bayern - then he wants to stay.

There was no new contact between Bayern and Tel today after his rejection. He is set to be part of the squad against Kiel on Saturday.

But Manchester United, not giving up. #MUFC

That cannot feel good if you are Tottenham Hotspur...especially after the chairman flew to Germany to try and close the deal.

According to a report from Sky Sport journalists Florian Plettenberg and Kerry Hau, Mathys Tel could be rethinking his stance. A stay with Bayern Munich could be in play for the French youngster, which seemed like a longshot just yesterday:

For the first time in the past four days, Mathys #Tel is no longer ruling out staying at FC Bayern after rejecting Tottenham today!

Bayern have now also received information that a stay is possible. However, further discussions are ongoing. Manchester United, who contacted Bayern by phone, remain in the race. Aston Villa, Arsenal and Chelsea are still involved. #MUFC

It now depends on the clubs, on their projects, visions and concrete offers whether a loan or even a sale could still happen before the Deadline Day.

Tel rejected Tottenham today because he wasn’t convinced by the project - independent of the Spurs’ offer.

The situation is far from over and Tel will likely need some assurances on playing time before he finalizes any decision. When there is more news, we’ll have it...

Looking for our thoughts and analysis of the Mathys Tel transfer situation, along with why Vincent Kompany should be held accountable for Bayern Munich’s recent iffy performances? Great, then check out the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show on Patreon, Spotify, or below:

According to a report from Sky Sport journalists Florian Plettenberg and Kerry Hau, Bayern Munich attacker Mathys Tel has rejected an offer from Tottenham Hotspur, despite Spurs chairman Daniel Levy flying to Germany to meet with him earlier today:

Mathys #Tel has rejected an offer presented by Spurs boss Daniel Levy in Munich today.

Bayern bosses are aware of Tel’s rejection.

Understand that Tel would be more open to a loan deal. Man United, Aston Villa and Chelsea are still in the race for the 19-y/o.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tel is exploring his other options, which include Manchester United, Chelsea FC, and Aston Villa:

Mathys Tel and his agent are in Munich together to assess all options after rejecting Spurs proposal.

Tottenham will explore other targets while Tel will consider other bids for loan/permanent move.

❗️ Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa all in contact.

Stay tuned...

Looking for our thoughts and analysis of the Mathys Tel transfer situation, along with why Vincent Kompany should be held accountable for Bayern Munich’s recent iffy performances? Great, then check out the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show on Patreon, Spotify, or below:

If you choose to “Accept all,” we will also use cookies and data to

Develop and improve new services

Deliver and measure the effectiveness of ads

Show personalized content, depending on your settings

Show personalized ads, depending on your settings

If you choose to “Reject all,” we will not use cookies for these additional purposes.

Non-personalized content is influenced by things like the content you’re currently viewing, activity in your active Search session, and your location. Non-personalized ads are influenced by the content you’re currently viewing and your general location. Personalized content and ads can also include more relevant results, recommendations, and tailored ads based on past activity from this browser, like previous Google searches. We also use cookies and data to tailor the experience to be age-appropriate, if relevant.

Filed under:

Off the Crossbar

Bayern Munich Transfer News and Rumors

Transfer news and rumors

Midweek Warm-up: Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané is at precipice of an enormous crossroads as Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and FC Barcelona linger; Non-traditional holiday songs; The Entertainment Rundown; & MORE!

Happy holidays from BFW!

Share this story

Share this on Reddit

Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: Midweek Warm-up: Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sané is at precipice of an enormous crossroads as Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and FC Barcelona linger; Non-traditional holiday songs; The Entertainment Rundown; & MORE!

When the Winterpause ends, Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané will be in the most crucial stretch of his career.

The Germany international wants to stay at Bayern Munich, but the club might be having doubts about reinvesting a massive salary into a player who has not always lived up the lofty expectations that have been placed on him.

Sané has picked up his play of late with two goals in his last two games, but it was not a banner first half for the 28-year-old. Injured to start the campaign, Sané then could not consistently unseat newcomers Michael Olise from the starting spot at right wing.

In the last two games, though, Sané has featured on the left side, where he has looked more comfortable. It should be noted, however, that the time at left wing was forced by injuries to both Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman.

With his contract ending after this season — and a strong desire to continue on with the club — Sané will have to produce more than he has so far this season. Sané has five goals and one assist in 19 games across all competitions, but is making €15 million per season according to Capology.

As of now, a raise seems out of the question and Sané — at least publicly — appears to be open to accepting a pay cut, which could help his case. If, however, Bayern Munich opts to not bring Sané back, he still has a big reputation in Europe.

FC Barcelona and Sané’s old boss Hansi Flick are reportedly interested, but Sport (as captured by the Manchester Evening News) says that several other big clubs would want Sané — Chelsea FC, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur:

Spanish newspaper SPORT report that Premier League trio - Chelsea, United and Tottenham are interested in Sane’s services. Barcelona are also said to be monitoring his situation, having previously been offered to the Spanish giants.

Two things are clear:

If Sané wants to stay with Bayern Munich, he will have to be better and produce more.

If Bayern Munich opts to let Sané go, he will have no shortage of quality suitors.

As Little Carmine (the master of malapropisms) from The Sopranos would say, Sané “is at the precipice of an enormous crossroads.”

How will this play out?

Poll

Will Leroy Sané be back with Bayern MUnich in 2025/26?

Yes - he will sign a new deal.

No - he is outta here.

It is too close to call at the moment.

I have no idea.

Bayern Munich needs to refresh the wing position, this is one way to help do it.

Yes - he will sign a new deal.

(19 votes)

No - he is outta here.

(8 votes)

It is too close to call at the moment.

(11 votes)

I have no idea.

(7 votes)

Bayern Munich needs to refresh the wing position, this is one way to help do it.

(11 votes)

Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 7, Episode 22

Here we go...it is time for the Winterpause and things are looking good for Bayern Munich. After downing RB Leipzig 5-1, the Bavarians seem in control of the Bundesliga at the moment, but it will not be easy to complete the job of securing the league crown.

Given everything that has happened over the past six months, there is a lot to talk about, so let’s get to it. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:

Bayern Munich finished off the first half of the season on a strong note, but Bayer Leverkusen’s 5-1 win over SC Freiburg let the world know that the reigning champs are not done just yet. Are we set up for an epic battle for the Bundesliga crown?

Bayern Munich’s biggest surprises of the first half.

Bayern Munich’s biggest disappointments of the first half.

Where Bayern Munich can be better in the second half of the season.

Can Bayern Munich win the Champions League as currently set up?

Entertainment Rundown

Joker: Folie à Deux

Man...what a disappointment. Let’s get this going bullet-style:

Everything from where it picked up, to the tone, to way it was shot was perfect for a sequel, but what caused Todd Phillips to veer so badly off the rails is beyond me.

Every musical scene was a time-wasting pile of garbage. I can appreciate that there was probably some good musical value that is escaping me, but it was wholly unneeded.

Having Arthur Fleck go from insane and brazen to all of a sudden self-aware because he (might have) been gang raped by prison guards (depending on what you want to believe that scene was all about) was an odd choice. The trauma did not enrage him or make him more off-kilter, it sobered him up. Which seemed completely out of place for Fleck.

Even though the movie had already went in the toilet, the car bomb scene gave it one last chance to save itself. It could have culminated with a giant swerve where Joker was just setting everyone up. Nope...all of a sudden, he is not conniving or evil, but simply mentally immature, incompetent, and naive. It was a total middle finger to the audience, who invested time and money into the movie and the character.

The first Joker was tremendous and this one was, well, terrible. What Phillips was trying to prove remains open, but whatever it was it failed and it made for a terrible movie — despite having all the elements to be successful once again.

Overall, I cannot believe any studio gave this the green-light when it was written to take away everything that made the first movie brilliant (a true look at an origin story). What garbage. The only reason that it gets any rating at all is because the actors and others working on it did their jobs with aplomb, but the writing was a horrific trainwreck of epic proportions...which is really sad.

Rating: 3.00/10.00

The 12 Non-Traditional Christmas/Holiday Songs on My Playlist

Here is a little holiday tradition we have here at the Weekend/Midweek Warm-up: There are many, many great Christmas songs that would not be labelled as “traditional” and I could probably write 50,000 words on all of them, so I just decided to feature this list to 12 of those on my iTunes playlist (in no particular order):

Did you expect anything else?

Come on...The Kinks lambasting Christmas is terrific.

I am generally not a “country music” guy, but I am all about a drunk Christmas. I have plenty of country music-loving friends, but I just haven’t been able to catch that vibe. Still, these guys reference Rumple Minze (soooooo bad) and any song that can work that in automatically wins me over.

Just a classic...

Go ahead and roast me...I like the song.

Just awesome...

It’s definitely more “Christmas-y” than “The Stroke”, eh?

This one has a little more meaning given the passing of Shane MacGowan in 2023.

A hard take on an old classic.

Doing a Christmas song in the only way that Blink-182 could.

A rock-n-roll classic.

Chrissie Hynde’s voice in this one is something, eh?

Let’s add some others for everyone’s enjoyment. Most of them were submitted by one of you over the years:

Weird Al Yankovic: “The Night Santa Went Crazy”

Adam Sandler: “Chanukah Song”

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts: “Little Drummer Boy”

Billy Idol: “Yellin At The Christmas Tree”

Dent May: “I’ll be Stoned for Christmas”

The Darkness: “Christmas Time”

Mistletoe Conspiracy: “Ugly Sweater”

Lou Monte: “Dominick the Donkey”

Bob & Doug: “12 Days of Christmas”

Cheech & Chong: “Santa Claus and his Old Lady”

The Waitresses: “Christmas Wrapping”

Gwen Stefani: “Under the Christmas Lights”

Just like previous years, drop me your non-traditional songs in the comments. I had a blast checking them out last year.

Prediction Records

Last Week Bundesliga: 4-5 (Through Matchday 15)

Overall Bundesliga: 64-71

UEFA Nations League: 81-66

Champions League: 60-48 (Through Matchday 6)

DFB-Pokal: 40-16 (Through Round of 16)

Total: 245-201

Perfect Picks: 41 (when the score and winner is predicted exactly)

Speaking to ESPN Brasil, Manchester City goalkeeper Éderson admitted that Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane was the toughest he’s ever faced. The two often butted heads when City faced Tottenham Hotspur in the league.

“Man, I’ve faced a few strikers, especially in the Premier League,” said the Brazilian. “But I think the most difficult one, the one I’ve seen with the most quality, is Harry Kane.”

“He has an absurd quality, both inside the box and outside, when he comes out to receive play, he has a lot of quality. So, from my point of view, he was one of the best strikers I’ve ever faced.”

Spurs had a tendency to be a bogey team for City in the latter part of Kane’s tenure at the club, kind of like Gladbach is to Bayern Munich today. City rarely lose in the Premier League, but they often lost to Tottenham, and Kane was a big part of that. Surely, Éderson is glad that Kane is in Germany now, though it won’t help him if the two teams meet in the Champions League this season.

Looking for more thoughts and analysis from Germany’s 1-0 victory over the Netherlands? Awesome, then we have you covered with our Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show where our Jack Lauschway breaks down the match. Jack gives you all the analysis you need from the game, along with where the German national team might be headed. You can get the podcast on Patreon, Spotify, and below:

Filed under:

Bayern Munich: Friendlies

Podcasts

Bayern Munich Opinion

Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show: Bayern Munich 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Friendly)

Bayern Munich did it again...

Share this story

Share this on Reddit

Share All sharing options

Share All sharing options for: Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show: Bayern Munich 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Friendly)

Bayern Munich made its way over to England for a friendly with Tottenham Hotspur to fulfill an obligation on the Harry Kane transfer deal.

Mission accomplished.

Not only did Bayern Munich fulfill that part of the Kane deal, but it walked away with a 3-2 victory as well. There was much to discuss following the match, so let’s get to it:

A look at Vincent Kompany’s starting XI.

A rundown of the scoring and substitutions.

Serge Gnabry looks like a man on a mission.

Finally,, it was cool to see Harry Kane get a nice ovation from Spurs fans.

Bayern Munich’s first half press was an absolute game-changer, but it fell off a cliff in the second half after Kompany used subs.

Mathys Tel needs more playing time.

The backline could end up being a problem — Eric Dier might be the best of the three-headed monster.

Be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @bfwinnn, @IredahlMarcus, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.

In This Stream

Bayern Munich’s 2024 Preseason Campaign: All updates

Match Awards from Bayern Munich’s (almost) impressive 3-2 win over Tottenham

Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show: Bayern Munich 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Friendly)

Three observations from Bayern Munich’s 3-2 win over Tottenham

View all 152 stories