Since arriving in Bavaria, Mathys Tel has been able to prove why Bayern Munich rated him so highly in the summer of 2022. Separating with €20m for a then 17-year-old Tel was considered a risk for Die Rekordmeister, but having scored six goals in eleven games so far this season, Tel has been significantly important for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Tel is currently averaging a goal every 52 minutes which highlights how efficient the teenager is in front of goal. However, despite his goalscoring antics in Germany, Tel has been unable to force his way into the French senior squad.
This has, therefore, sparked debate in the Sport Bild column ‘My Bavaria’ about whether Tel could be naturalised in the country and be eligible to represent Germany. Nevertheless, when asked about the possibility, the 18-year-old commented: “I’m very happy to be here. There’s nothing better than the feeling of representing France.”
As well as this, Thiery Henry, who is the manager of the France under-21 squad, would reveal how highly thought of Tel is within the French set-up after his inclusion in the side: “He is very efficient in the minutes he gets. He can be decisive every moment he comes into play. I hope that he will get as much playing time as possible (with the u-21s). We are watching him closely, but there are still some development steps he can go through.”
Therefore, it is clear to see that while Tel may not be receiving game time with the French senior squad, there is certainly a plan for the Bayern striker to eventually lead the line for Les Blues. Regardless, if Tel were to change international allegiance, due to FIFA ruling, he would have to wait until 2027 before he could make his international debut and there would be an expectation that by then he would be in the French senior squad.
Nevertheless, it has not been ruled out by the player or his consultant Gadiri Camara, who remarked when speaking to Sky Germany: “To be honest, Mathys is focused on the U21. I don’t want to burden his head with this.”
GFFN | Will Shopland
