Bayern Munich wonderkid reveals truth behind Real Madrid transfer

30 Sept 2023 18:18 BST
4 min read

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Real Madrid have been troubled in their efforts to find a replacement for Karim Benzema this season but they could have had one of the best young strikers in world football had things gone differently.

Los Blancos lost Benzema this summer after the long-serving forward moved to Saudi Arabia and veteran Joselu has been leading the line so far following his loan arrival, while fellow newboy Jude Bellingham has led the way with five goals from midfield.

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Real had been hoping to have had Kylian Mbappe on their books by now but the World Cup winner will likely be unavailable until his contract expires next summer, however it is another French star Real were unable to sign last summer that has revealed how he turned down the La Liga giants.

POTENTIAL: Real Madrid see Benzema successor in the Eredivisie

Bayern Munich raised eyebrows when they spent €27.5 million on a teenager with just senior appearances and no goals to his name but the signing of Mathys Tel last year has proven to be a coup, with the 18-year-old establishing himself as a regular for the Germans.

And Tel has revealed that ‘many’ teams wanted to sign him after being questioned of Real’s interest in an interview with CARRE, however it was Bayern’s ambition that convinced him of a move to the Bundesliga.

Tel said: “Real Madrid or Bayern? It’s true that many clubs wanted me in 2022. It’s very true. But I was only focused on Bayern, [there was] no other chance because I appreciated their project and the people behind the project.”

IDEAL: Tel is 'perfect alternative' to Mbappe for Real

Tel set to follow in the footsteps of elite Bayern stars

While Tel was a relatively unknown quantity prior to his big money move, he had been prolific at youth level for club and country, having joined Rennes at age 15.

After scoring six goals last season largely from 28 appearances – all but one from the bench – Tel has continued his role as a super sub this season, netting four goals in just 84 minutes of action.

🇫🇷✔️ Mathys Tel (18) makes no mistake!💥 pic.twitter.com/N5HkADmB2T
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) September 25, 2023

Tel has deputised for Harry Kane this season, who himself has been prolific since his record move from Tottenham last season, having scored eight goals in six games for Bayern.

MENTOR: Tel speaks out on Kane impact

With Kane having turned 30 this year, the English star has finally given Bayern a natural replacement to Robert Lewandowski after his move to Barcelona last summer, however Tel may prove to be the long-term heir to the throne of Bayern’s elite number nines.