In a twist of events for Manchester United, Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel appears poised to reject a potential loan move to the English club during the upcoming January transfer window.
The promising teenager, who joined Bayern from Rennes for €28.5 million in July 2022, has been a subject of interest due to his limited starting opportunities and a desire for regular game time.
Despite being yet to celebrate his 19th birthday, Tel has showcased his talent with an impressive goal tally of 12 from six starts and 40 substitute appearances in various competitions for Bayern.
However, the emergence of Harry Kane as a prominent figure in the squad has relegated Tel to a backup role, raising concerns about his developmental trajectory at the Allianz Arena.
Under the management of Thomas Tuchel in the 2023-24 season, Tel has seen limited starts, making just one appearance in the Bundesliga and 14 substitute outings in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League.
Despite the reduced playing time, Tel has managed to contribute five goals and three assists, drawing attention from Premier League clubs keen on securing his services on loan.
While a loan move in January seemed like a plausible solution for Tel to gain regular playing time, Sky Sport Deutschland reporter Florian Plettenberg reveals that Manchester United and other interested clubs, including those struggling for a goal-scoring center-forward, are likely to face rejection.
Tel is reportedly determined to stay at Bayern, influenced by the trust he shares with Tuchel and the belief that more minutes will be afforded to him in due course.
Tel also values the mentorship he receives from Harry Kane, who has excelled with 22 goals and seven assists in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League since joining Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur.
The young forward perceives his current environment as conducive to his growth and development, making him reluctant to entertain a move away from the German giants.
As Bayern Munich prepares to face Manchester United at Old Trafford in a crucial European clash, Tel’s decision to stay put adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.
United, struggling to find a reliable center-forward, could have witnessed Tel firsthand if the loan move had materialized, but it now seems the talented teenager is committed to his journey with Bayern, backed by the faith of his coach and the invaluable mentorship of a seasoned striker like Harry Kane.