Bissouma’s Future in Doubt as Spurs Consider Exit
Yves Bissouma’s Tottenham career is nearing its conclusion after a difficult start under Thomas Frank. The midfielder, signed for £25 million from Brighton in 2022, has slipped down the pecking order following the arrival of Joao Palhinha, who was immediately installed as a starter in Spurs’ midfield.
Frank’s decision to leave Bissouma out of the UEFA Super Cup squad last month was telling. Since then, the Mali international has not featured for Tottenham this season. Football Insider reports that Spurs could yet sanction a late move to Saudi Arabia or Turkey before those windows close, with a loan deal also being considered to ease the wage bill.
Contract Dilemma
Allowing Bissouma to leave on loan risks losing him for free in 12 months’ time. Spurs will weigh that against the potential benefit of freeing up salary space and avoiding dressing-room stagnation. “Frank is happy to sell Bissouma before the two aforementioned countries’ transfer windows close,” the report stated.
Everton and West Ham both pulled out of potential moves before the Premier League deadline, narrowing Tottenham’s options for a permanent sale.
International Absence
Bissouma’s struggles have extended to the international stage. He was left out of Mali’s World Cup qualifiers this month, missing a 3-0 victory over Comoros and a costly 1-0 defeat to Ghana that leaves Mali fourth in their group.
Taking to Instagram, Bissouma sent a message of support to his national side: “I am with you in spirit. We win together and we also lose together. We will come back stronger, inshallah. Proud of you, my soldiers, and strength to us for the future. See you soon…”
Spurs’ Midfield Evolution
Palhinha’s arrival appears to have signalled the end of Bissouma’s Spurs career. The Portuguese international’s impact has been immediate, and Tottenham’s midfield now looks set for a rebuild around him.
Our View – EPL Index Analysis
Bissouma arrived at Spurs as one of the most exciting defensive midfielders in the Premier League, but his time at Tottenham never fully ignited. Injuries, managerial changes and inconsistent form have all played a part, and now the club looks ready to move in a different direction.
Thomas Frank’s willingness to play Palhinha ahead of him shows a decisive shift in approach. Palhinha offers solidity and control, and the midfield feels more balanced with him anchoring it. Still, there is a sense of frustration that Spurs might lose Bissouma for less than his value or even for free.
Supporters will be watching closely to see if Spurs can at least negotiate a favourable loan with an option to buy, ensuring they recoup part of the £25 million investment. If not, this could go down as one of the more disappointing transfers of recent seasons. The hope now is that the club use the freed wages to strengthen in January and keep the momentum going under Frank.