Thomas Frank might need to shed some extra weight now that Randal Kolo Muani has been linked with Tottenham.
Tottenham have a squad that is almost overflowing with talent in certain areas. This is a positive and a negative for Frank, who will need to make some big decisions in the coming weeks.
The past couple of preseason games have indicated the vision Frank has for the Lilywhites. One that attacks and defends as a unit, which was demonstrated during Spurs’ 1-0 victory against Arsenal in Hong Kong on Thursday (31 July).
But with Kolo Muani now linked with Spurs, the important choices are far from over at Hotspur Way.
Mathys Tel to be axed for Kolo Muani
As reported by Santi Aouna via X (31 July), Tottenham want to sign Kolo Muani, with talks underway for the French international.
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Negotiations between Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain have stalled for now, which has given Spurs the perfect opportunity to enter through the back door. Thus, if the striker does land at Hotspur Way, one player will need to make way, and Mathys Tel seems to be the likeliest option.
Richarlison has one foot out of the door already, while Dominic Solanke and Kolo Muani can co-exist on the pitch together.
Meanwhile, Kolo Muani and Tel have similar profiles. Tel can play as a centre-forward and is comfortable on the flanks, while his fellow Frenchman has also had stints in both positions. This makes him more likely to be axed to make way for Kolo Muani either as a rotational option or in the starting lineup.
This would hardly be the desired outcome for the club, given that Tel was signed on a permanent contract from Bayern Munich earlier this summer. But as the more established player, Kolo Muani offers a market opportunity too good to pass up on.
https://x.com/Santi_J_FM/status/1950919674734276689
Tel could be loaned out
If Kolo Muani lands at Hotspur Way, it will become increasingly difficult for Tel to get minutes under Frank.
The potential departure of Son Heung-min on the surface seems to aid the issue, one less person that the young talent will need to compete against. However, as Wilson Odobert demonstrated against Arsenal, he is just as lethal on the left as he his on the right wing.
With Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus comfortable on the right, Odobert could even start for Spurs on the left wing. This leaves Tel in a tough situation, which could see him be loaned out midway through the season to continue his development.
Therefore, this will be one to watch as the forthcoming season progresses.