Tottenham could yet find a solution to the growing uncertainty around Mathys Tel, but a potential move to Porto now appears to depend on another transfer happening first.
The French forward has already been linked with the Portuguese club in recent days. Reports from Portugal claimed Porto were considering a move for Tel as the player looks for a route away from Spurs.
Now, fresh information from Portugal has added an important new detail.
Porto have identified Tel as their ideal target
According to Bola na Rede, citing their transfer specialist Luís Pinto Coelho, Mathys Tel is viewed as Porto’s dream replacement for Borja Sainz.
The Spanish winger is attracting interest from Athletic Club, and Porto are open to his departure this summer. As a result, the Portuguese side have already started planning for life without him.
Mathys Tel has emerged as the preferred option.
In our previous coverage, we learned that the 21-year-old is valued at around €30m (£26m). Also, any deal would likely take the form of a loan with an option to buy.
Domino effect needed before move can happen
The report makes it clear that Porto’s chances of signing Mathys Tel are directly linked to Borja Sainz’s future. In other words, the Tottenham player’s move may need another transfer to happen first.
But even if Sainz leaves, several obstacles remain. Porto would need to find a financial formula capable of satisfying Tottenham, who committed around €45m (£39m) to sign Tel from Bayern Munich. The player’s salary is also considered a challenge.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth remain interested, while clubs in Turkey are also monitoring the situation. France’s Lille and Germany’s Eintracht Frankfurt are also in the picture.
Mathys Tel made 38 appearances for Tottenham last season, scoring four goals and providing two assists. However, questions over his long-term role at the club continue to fuel speculation. And sure looks like there is an outcome that will please everyone involved.
