Benfica make approach for Yves Bissouma after Tottenham departure

Benfica have made an approach for midfielder Yves Bissouma after he became a free agent this summer, according to reports. The 28-year-old has left Tottenham Hotspur following the expiration of his contract, ending a two-year spell in north London.

Context: Bissouma's Tottenham career

Bissouma joined Spurs from Brighton in June 2022 for a fee in the region of £25m. He made 74 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and providing four assists. However, he struggled to cement a regular starting spot under managers Antonio Conte, Cristian Stellini, Ryan Mason, and Ange Postecoglou.

Last season, the Mali international featured in 28 matches across all competitions, with 18 of those coming in the Premier League. His game time diminished under Postecoglou, who preferred the midfield trio of Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma, and Rodrigo Bentancur at various points.

Bissouma's departure leaves Tottenham with a midfield void to fill. The club has already been linked with several targets, including Chelsea's Conor Gallagher and Leeds' Archie Gray, though no formal bids have been made.

Impact: How Bissouma's exit affects Tottenham

Bissouma's exit reduces depth in a position where Spurs already lack quality options. Postecoglou's system relies on energetic, ball-winning midfielders who can press high and recycle possession quickly. Bissouma's passing accuracy of 87.4% last season was among the highest in the squad, but his defensive contributions—1.4 tackles per game—were below his Brighton peak.

  • With Bissouma gone, Tottenham have only Sarr, Bentancur, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg as senior central midfielders. Emerson Royal and Oliver Skipp have been used there, but neither is a natural fit.
  • The club may now accelerate plans to sign a new midfielder before the transfer window closes on 31 August. A £68m bid for Manchester City's Savinho has been reported, though that target is more attacking.
  • From a Fantasy Premier League perspective, Bissouma was priced at £5.0m last season but averaged just 2.3 points per match. His departure is unlikely to impact FPL strategies significantly.

What's next for Bissouma and Tottenham

Bissouma is now free to negotiate with Benfica, who hope to secure his signature for the coming season. The Portuguese side have a history of reinvigorating careers, with former Premier League players like Darwin Núñez and Enzo Fernández thriving there before big-money moves.

For Tottenham, they must decide whether to replace Bissouma with a like-for-like option or adjust their tactical approach. Postecoglou has favoured a high-pressing system, which demands stamina and discipline. Without adequate cover, Spurs risk being exposed in deeper midfield battles, especially against top-six sides.

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