SkySports: West Ham and Everton Keeping Tabs on Tottenham Midfielder Amid Uncertain Future
Everton and West Ham United are both closely monitoring the situation surrounding Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma, with speculation growing over his future at the North London club. According to Sky Sports Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri, both Premier League sides are prepared to make a move should Spurs decide to cash in this summer.
The 28-year-old Mali international could be heading for the exit at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after falling out of favour under new head coach Thomas Frank. West Ham boss Graham Potter and Everton manager David Moyes are long-time admirers of Bissouma’s ability, with both men eager to strengthen the defensive midfield area before the transfer window closes. The Hammers are in the market for a strong, combative presence in the middle of the park to anchor their midfield, while Everton are also keen to bring in a reliable enforcer to the recently renamed Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Bissouma’s absence from Tottenham’s UEFA Super Cup final squad against Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week raised eyebrows, with reports claiming that Frank dropped him after repeated lateness to team meetings. This is not the first time his disciplinary record has been questioned; under former manager Ange Postecoglou last season, he was left out of a matchday squad after being filmed inhaling nitrous oxide from a balloon.
Such off-field incidents have cast doubt over his long-term future at Spurs. While Bissouma is believed to prefer staying in England if he does leave, Tottenham are reportedly willing to consider offers in the region of £20 million, given that his contract has less than a year to run. That price tag could tempt potential suitors, especially given the midfielder’s Premier League experience from his time at Brighton & Hove Albion before joining Spurs in 2022.
Interest in Bissouma is not limited to England. Italian giants AS Roma and Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahce are also tracking his availability. Fenerbahce boss José Mourinho is said to be a particularly big fan of the Malian’s qualities, having followed his career closely in recent years.
Despite the ongoing transfer speculation, Bissouma has now been reinstated into the Tottenham squad and is expected to feature in their Premier League opener at home to Burnley tomorrow. However, his long-term role appears uncertain following Spurs’ recent signing of Portuguese midfielder João Palhinha from Bayern Munich. Frank reportedly wanted a fresh number six to anchor his midfield, and his decision to bring in Palhinha suggests he was unconvinced that either Bissouma or Rodrigo Bentancur could fully meet his tactical demands in that position.
With less than three weeks remaining in the transfer window, Bissouma’s future is finely poised. If Tottenham choose to part ways, the race for his signature could quickly turn into a fierce battle, with Everton, West Ham, Roma, and Fenerbahce all ready to pounce.