Thomas Frank Omits Matthijs Tel from Tottenham’s Champions League Roster
In a surprising move, Tottenham Hotspur’s head coach Thomas Frank has excluded Matthijs Tel from the club’s official squad list for the UEFA Champions League group stage. This decision comes despite the Dutch forward being Tottenham’s most expensive signing under Frank’s management, with a total transfer outlay of €45 million.
Tel’s Journey at Tottenham and the New Competition
Matthijs Tel initially joined Tottenham on loan from Bayern Munich, with the London club paying €10 million for the 20-year-old’s temporary services. Following a promising loan spell, Tottenham secured Tel’s permanent transfer this summer, committing to a contract until 2031 and investing an additional €35 million to finalize the deal.
However, for the 2025/26 Champions League campaign, Frank has opted to leave Tel out of the squad, favoring the inclusion of fellow Frenchman Randal Kolo Muani. The forward, who arrived on loan from Paris Saint-Germain this season, has been selected to represent Spurs in Europe instead.
Other Notable Omissions from the European Squad
Alongside Tel, several other key players have been left out of Tottenham’s Champions League roster. James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Luka Dragusin, and Yves Bissouma are also absent from the list, raising questions about squad rotation and tactical plans for the European fixtures.
Official Confirmation from Tottenham Hotspur
Our squad for the League Phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League has been confirmed 📋
Implications and Future Prospects
Frank’s decision to prioritize Kolo Muani over Tel could signal a shift in Tottenham’s attacking strategy, especially considering Kolo Muani’s recent form and versatility. With the Champions League becoming increasingly competitive, squad selection is critical, and Tottenham appears to be banking on fresh talent to make an impact on Europe’s biggest stage.
As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to observe how these choices affect Tottenham’s performance both domestically and in continental competitions.