Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma faces an uncertain future after an injury setback derails his summer exit plans
Tottenham’s summer transfer window became a story of major changes. The club said goodbye to cornerstones such as Son Heung-min, who will now play for LAFC, and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, whose permanent move to Marseille closed another chapter. Bryan Gil secured a permanent move to Girona. In contrast, the club focused on the future by signing Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel permanently and bringing in talented players like Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus.
The club showed ambition by signing João Palhinha on loan from Bayern Munich and Randal Kolo Muani on loan from PSG. The arrival of young defenders such as Luka Vušković and Kōta Takai reflects the same forward-looking approach. However, amid this change, reports also suggested that Tottenham were set to keep Yves Bissouma this season.
Bissouma and his situation
Africa Foot has reported that Yves Bissouma will not play until October due to the same injury that halted his potential departure this summer. Fenerbahçe wanted to sign Bissouma, but the injury ended talks. Several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, West Ham and Chelsea, also showed interest. However, Tottenham made it clear they did not want to sell the Mali international to any team in England. This update contrasts with earlier reports that Spurs would keep Bissouma this season. Attention now turns to the January transfer window, when both parties will have to find a solution.
Opinion: Why Bissouma doesn’t fit in and the way forward
Thomas Frank has changed Tottenham’s style since taking charge. He has retained parts of Ange Postecoglou’s high press, and adopted a pragmatic approach that shifts tactics depending on the opposition. This is a clear departure from the open, possession-based system in which Bissouma thrived at Brighton. Frank values discipline, physical strength and punctuality in midfield. According to BBC reports, Bissouma’s frequent lateness worsened his situation. This is why Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Palhinha and even younger players are getting opportunities ahead of him.
Tottenham do not want to send the 29-year-old defensive midfielder to another Premier League team. The reasoning is clear. The club do not want him to strengthen an opponent, then perform brilliantly against them. In addition, Tottenham face a challenge with his contract situation. He can join any English club on a free transfer next summer, so Spurs may want to send him abroad. This strategy could recoup part of the fee and ease the salary burden.
Bissouma still wants to play in the Premier League. However, better options for reviving his career may lie abroad. A team like Juventus, who play on a technical basis and compete in Europe, could suit him. The slower pace of Serie A, and a defined role at Juventus, could help him regain confidence. If he goes to Italy and plays regularly, he could rediscover the sparkle of his Brighton days. It would also relieve Spurs of a problem and allow the club to focus on planning ahead.