Tottenham Hotspur’s Yves Bissouma has been in and out of Ange Postecoglou’s playing XI in recent weeks.
The Mali international’s contract expires in 2026, and his long-term future at Tottenham is said to be uncertain.
Over the past few days, several claims from the UK stated that clubs from England and France are showing interest in Bissouma.
Africa Foot contacted former Slavia Prague midfielder Bassirou Dembélé, who is ‘close’ to the Tottenham player. They asked him about his friend’s situation at the north London club and about his future.
The midfielder arrived at Tottenham in 2022, after spending four years at Brighton & Hove Albion. The 28-year-old moved to Europe when Lille signed him from Real Bamako in 2016 and two years later, he joined the Seagulls.
Dembélé hyped up Bissouma and insisted he must continue in the Premier League amid the transfer links.
“Yves Bissouma must stay in the Premier League. He’s a world-class player, capable of playing in the top 10 biggest clubs in the world. We have to wait until the end of the season,” he said.
“Let’s not forget that he has a market value of €35m and is under contract until 2026. He is only 28 and has a bright future ahead of him.”
“Of course, he is lacking playing time at the moment, but he has already been through a similar situation at Lille, before bouncing back brilliantly. At the time, he was already courted by Liverpool, Arsenal and Aston Villa, before signing for Brighton for around €29m in 2018.”
Crystal Palace, Everton, Aston Villa, Marseille and Lyon are all reportedly interested in the former Seagulls man. Bissouma’s friend hasn’t entertained these links, but claims he isn’t surprised about the rumoured interest.
“These are just rumours, but it isn’t surprising that Yves is in such high demand. When you are one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, the big teams are always on the lookout, especially at the end of your contract,” Dembélé explained.
“Let’s wait until the end of the season to see how things evolve. Yves has a steely mind, he is a competitor, ready to take on challenges.”
Dembélé was ‘discreet’ on what could happen to Bissouma’s future at Tottenham beyond this season.
“There are things that cannot be revealed at the moment. Big clubs have always been interested in him [Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Bayern, Liverpool, Chelsea, Juventus], but we must let time do its work,” he added.
“When the time comes, all the information will be revealed. What is certain is that Yves Bissouma is aiming higher.”