According to Julian Nagelsmann, he can become one of the best strikers: 17-year-old Mathys Tel has arrived in Munich, and the transfer to Stade Rennes should bring in almost 30 million euros. But what role can he play at Bayern? And is he really better than returnee Joshua Zirkzee?
Mathys Tel landed at Munich Airport at 9:13 am on Monday. Even before the Frenchman completed just one training session with Bayern and the transfer to FC Bayern was officially announced, coach Julian Nagelsmann believed he would “one day score 40 goals a season”.
A daring statement – despite all his talent. In his young career, Tel only made seven appearances and a total of 50 minutes (without a goal) for Stade Rennes in the French Ligue 1.
Nagelsmann’s emphasis was of course on “one day”, the euphoric coach also stated that Tel was “not a 1:1 replacement for Lewy” and rather an investment in the future. “We’re trying to find young, talented players that we can develop into world-class players.”
Is 30 million euros a burden for a 17-year-old?
The expectations around the 17-year-old should not have dropped with a fee of 30 million euros and such statements. If Tel turns out to be the child prodigy and plays a good role in his first season – Nagelsmann realistically spoke of ten goals this season – at Bayern, those responsible can pat themselves on the back.
But what happens when Tel fares like many mega-talents on Säbener Straße?
At this point we should remember Renato Sanches, who switched to Bayern in the summer of 2016 at the age of 18 for 35 million euros. The unfortunate chapter should still be known.
Youth coach via phone: “Incredibly mature”
In general, it can be said that Stade Rennes is a real pool of talent: in 2018 Borussia Dortmund signed Ousmane Dembélé for 35 million euros, Real Madrid took Eduardo Camavinga from Brittany for around 30 million in 2021 – and were not disappointed.
Whether Tel will be the next high-flyer depends on many factors: Does he get enough time in the star ensemble right away? Does he settle in quickly to the new environment? This could be easy for him given the “French Connection” with the record champions. According to his youth coaches, Tel is already very mature for his young age and captained France’s U17 national team to the EURO 2022 championship.
“He was incredibly eager. He wanted to develop and he wanted to learn,” recalled one of his youth coaches, Thomas Berlette, once in an interview with the “Spox” portal. Tel already played a number of positions as a youth – starting from central defense, through central midfield, Tel advanced more and more due to his immense acceleration and dribbling skills. He always fit into his new role and that is not the only reason why he is considered an absolute model professional.
It is still unclear which position he could play for the German record champions. This uncertainty also depends on the Bayern system in the “post-Lewandowski era”. Nagelsmann tried out a 4-4-2 and 3-5-2 in the friendlies in the USA. The formation with two strikers should suit Tel – because he should get all the more chances.
What will become of Joshua Zirkzee?
Tel’s arrival is likely to pose a problem for another young Bayern talent who hasn’t always shown the necessary commitment in Munich: Joshua Zirkzee.
The 21-year-old recommended himself for higher tasks at loan club RSC Anderlecht with 15 goals last season. Especially after the sale of Robert Lewandowski was dry.
Zirkzee came like a phoenix from the ashes at Bayern and scored right away with his first joker bets. But early on, his coach at the time, Hansi Flick, criticized the mentality and unconditional will of the then 18-year-old. The fact is: The Dutchman took his chance in Anderlecht and, according to Vincent Kompany, ex-Zirkzee coach at the traditional Belgian club, is “too good for the Belgian league”.
He was captain of the Dutch U21 side and scored on the assembly line last year.
Tel as a promise for the future, Zirkzee sales candidate
Zirkzee’s supposedly missing characteristics will not be missed at Tel. Whether this is the decisive factor promising against the Dutchman?
The signs are clearly pointing in the right direction: Tel is Bayern’s promise for the future, while Zirkzee will probably have to gain experience at another club. VfB Stuttgart and Hertha BSC were considered buyers within the Bundesliga.
The Bayern managers around Hasan Salihamidzic are apparently still waiting for a suitable club that would take the rumored transfer fee of ten to 15 million euros for Zirkzee. It is currently not to be expected that both Tel and Zirkzee will fight for the role of the next Bayern superstar up front.
Lars Wiedemann