Malian midfielder Yves Bissouma left out of Tottenham’s UEFA squad amid selection shake-up

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank has left Yves Bissouma out of the club’s official UEFA competition squad, with the midfielder among six players omitted following the submission deadline on 2 September.

Bissouma, 29, was excluded as part of a squad reshuffle influenced by UEFA’s locally trained player regulations and the arrival of new signings, most notably Xavi Simons, who joined from RB Leipzig in a €52m deal.

Frank’s decision reflects the need to balance the squad, with several high-profile names also left out.

Joining Bissouma on the exclusion list are Kota Takai, Radu Dragusin, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Mathys Tel.

Maddison and Kulusevski’s absences are primarily due to injuries, while Bissouma’s omission appears to be part of a broader tactical and structural adjustment to the squad.

The Malian international’s situation adds to speculation over his future, which has been uncertain since the summer transfer window. Bissouma, who joined Spurs from Brighton, was linked with a move away from north London after Galatasaray reportedly agreed personal terms with him, only for the deal to fall through before completion. West Ham United also expressed interest but were unable to secure his signature before the English market closed.

Opportunities for a transfer remain open, however, as the Turkish and Greek windows are still active until 12 September, potentially offering Bissouma a route out of London if a suitable offer materialises.

Frank’s selection decisions underline Tottenham’s competitive squad depth, following a busy transfer period. The acquisition of Simons has intensified competition for midfield roles, and the manager’s call to omit Bissouma may be a sign of his evolving tactical plans.

Bissouma, who has featured intermittently since his arrival at Spurs, now faces an uncertain role within the squad, with his omission from UEFA competition likely to restrict his playing time in Europe this season. While injuries explain the absence of other key players like Maddison and Kulusevski, the Malian’s exclusion appears to be a strategic choice rather than one forced by fitness concerns.

As Tottenham navigate their European campaign without him, Bissouma’s future remains under scrutiny. Interest from abroad could provide him with a chance to revive his career, particularly in leagues where the transfer market is still open. For now, however, he remains part of Spurs’ domestic plans, even if his European involvement has been put on hold.

With Thomas Frank continuing to reshape his squad following a busy summer, Bissouma’s situation could become a focal point of Tottenham’s squad management strategy in the coming weeks. Whether he remains in London or secures a late move abroad, his omission signals a significant shift in his standing at the club.