Bayern Munich have announced the signing of 17-year-old forward Mathys Tel from Rennes. The youngster has signed for the club on a five-year contract, which will run until the end of the 2026/27 season. The Bavarians have paid big for the teenage talent, parting ways with an initial fee of 20 million euros plus an additional 8.5 million in add-ons.
France U17 captain Tel had only glowing remarks for the Bayern management and first-team squad upon his arrival in Munich, claiming, in his first interview for the club, that it did not take him long to decide his future.
“FC Bayern are one of the best teams in the world. I’m very much looking forward to this great challenge and I will give my all for this club. I’ve been very impressed with the discussions with Hasan Salihamidzic and the FC Bayern management, and I quickly realised I definitely wanted to come to Munich.”
the 17-year-old said in his first interview.
Born in Paris, Tel joined the Rennes academy in 2020 after short stints at several other clubs. The forward became the youngest player in the club’s history to make his official debut at 16 years and 110 days, beating the record set previously by Eduardo Camavinga. In his first professional season, Tel made 10 appearances for the Red and Blacks, seven of which were in the Ligue 1.
Tel was an integral part of the French Under 17 team that won the 2022 UEFA European U17 Championship last month. In six appearances for Jean-Claude Giuntini’s side, he netted three times and provided one assist.
Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic also spoke highly of the youngster, declaring him to be one of Europe’s foremost talents in his age category.
“Mathys Tel is one of the biggest talents in Europe, a very quick, technically strong, and versatile striker.”
“We’ve been watching him for a long time and we were able to convince him to take his next important steps in Munich with us now.”
He becomes Bayern’s fifth signing of the season after Noussair Mazraoui, Ryan Gravenberch (AFC Ajax), Sadio Mane (Liverpool), and Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus).
