Yves Bissouma Set to Join Ajax After Tottenham Exit

Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma is set to join Ajax on an initial deal until the end of the season. The 30-year-old, who was released by Spurs in June, is in Amsterdam to finalise the move, with an option for a further 12 months.

  • Player: Yves Bissouma (Mali international, 30)
  • From: Free agent (released by Tottenham Hotspur in June)
  • To: Ajax (Eredivisie)
  • Deal: Until end of season, with option of further 12 months
  • Stage: Finalising move in Amsterdam
  • Last club: Tottenham (111 appearances, joined 2022 from Brighton)

Deal details

Bissouma has agreed a contract with Ajax that runs until the end of the current season, with the option to extend by a further 12 months. The midfielder is currently in Amsterdam to complete the move. He was out of contract after his release from Tottenham in June.

The deal is an initial short-term arrangement, reflecting Bissouma's status as a free agent. Ajax have moved quickly to secure the Mali international, who brings Premier League and international experience to the Eredivisie club.

Analysis: Why Ajax are taking a chance on Bissouma

Yves Bissouma arrives at Ajax as a low-risk, high-reward signing. The 30-year-old defensive midfielder was a regular for Tottenham after joining from Brighton in 2022, making 111 appearances for the north London club. His final season was disrupted, however, as he made only 11 Premier League appearances under then-manager Thomas Frank.

The reason for his limited involvement was persistent lateness, which led to his omission from the squad for the UEFA Super Cup against Paris St-Germain in August 2025. That disciplinary issue ultimately contributed to his departure from Spurs. Ajax will hope a fresh start in the Eredivisie allows Bissouma to recapture the form that earned him a high-profile move to Tottenham.

At 30, Bissouma still has plenty to offer. His ball-winning ability and experience in the Premier League and for Mali make him an attractive option for Ajax, who are likely to use him as a screening midfielder in front of the defence. The short-term deal with an option protects the Dutch club while giving Bissouma the platform to earn a longer stay.

Talking points

  • Was Bissouma's Tottenham career derailed by discipline rather than ability, and can he revive it in Amsterdam?
  • Ajax signing a 30-year-old free agent on a short deal shows financial caution, but does it signal a lack of long-term planning?
  • Spurs released Bissouma after 111 appearances, but his final season yielded only 11 league outings – was that a waste of a £25m asset?
  • If Bissouma impresses in the Eredivisie, could a Premier League club come calling again – and would he be worth the risk?

What happens next

Bissouma will complete his medical and put pen to paper on the deal with Ajax. Once finalised, he will be available for selection for the Eredivisie club's upcoming fixtures. The move is expected to be confirmed shortly, with the option of a further year giving both parties flexibility.

Frequently asked questions

Is Yves Bissouma joining Ajax?

Yes, the former Tottenham midfielder is on the verge of joining Ajax on an initial deal until the end of the season, with the option of a further 12 months.

Why did Bissouma leave Tottenham?

Bissouma was released by Tottenham in June after making 111 appearances. His final season was limited to 11 Premier League games, and he was left out of a squad by then-manager Thomas Frank due to persistent lateness.

How long is Bissouma's Ajax contract?

Bissouma has agreed a deal until the end of the season, with the option of an additional 12 months. He is currently in Amsterdam finalising the move.

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