Exclusive: Tottenham see ‘blockbuster’ Lucas Paqueta swap deal talks fail after offering £25m star to West Ham
Yves Bissouma agrees Galatasaray move after failed West Ham swap deal
TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma has given the green light to a transfer to Turkish giants Galatasaray, after a potential switch to West Ham United collapsed earlier this month.
As previously reported, Spurs had been working hard behind the scenes to secure a departure for the 28-year-old Mali international, who had fallen out of favour under new boss Thomas Frank. Bissouma was notably left out of Tottenham’s squad for the recent Super Cup clash after turning up late for training on multiple occasions, a move widely seen as a disciplinary measure from Frank.
Now, an agreement is in place that will see Bissouma join Galatasaray on loan, with the Turkish champions committing to an obligation to buy next summer. The deal is expected to provide Spurs with both financial relief and greater flexibility in the final days of the transfer window.
Failed swap deal with West Ham
Bissouma’s exit might have taken a very different route. Sources confirmed to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that Tottenham held talks with West Ham United earlier in the month regarding a blockbuster loan swap involving Lucas Paquetá. The idea was simple: Bissouma would move to the London Stadium, while Paquetá would head to North London in a straight loan exchange.
However, discussions never progressed to the final stages, and the plan was ultimately shelved. West Ham had shown genuine interest in adding Bissouma to their midfield options, but with no breakthrough in negotiations, Tottenham turned their attention to Galatasaray’s concrete offer.
Spurs’ midfield reshuffle continues
Bissouma joined Tottenham from Brighton in 2022 for a fee of around £25 million, but despite flashes of promise, he struggled to cement a regular starting place. His exit marks another step in Spurs’ ongoing midfield overhaul under Frank.
While the Paquetá swap collapsed, Tottenham remain attentive to the Brazilian’s situation. The creative midfielder, admired for his flair, versatility, and relentless work rate, could still become a target in future windows. For now, however, sources insist Spurs have no active plans to reignite talks.
It is worth noting that Tottenham already raided West Ham earlier in the summer to secure Mohammed Kudus, making it politically complicated to pursue another of their key players so soon.
Why Paquetá appeals to Frank
Thomas Frank has made no secret of his desire to bring in an all-action midfielder to operate in the advanced number ten role. His first-choice target, Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, was pursued aggressively, but the England international ended speculation by signing a new long-term deal at the City Ground.
That setback forced Spurs to explore alternatives, and Paquetá’s name naturally came to the fore. The Brazilian is capable of filling multiple roles across midfield: he combines technical flair and close control with a tireless defensive work ethic that fits Frank’s philosophy.
At present, Pape Matar Sarr has been tasked with the creative role behind the striker, but there is a strong belief that Paquetá would be a more natural fit for the position. His ability to break lines, carry the ball forward, and link midfield with attack could give Spurs an extra dimension that Sarr, despite his qualities, has not consistently provided.
What this means for Tottenham
For Tottenham, moving Bissouma on represents both a financial boost and an opportunity to continue reshaping the squad in Frank’s image. With just days left in the summer transfer window, Spurs are still expected to be active as they search for reinforcements in midfield and attack.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray are set to welcome a midfielder with Premier League experience who, despite his recent struggles in North London, could prove a valuable asset in their domestic and European campaigns.