Malian midfielder Yves Bissouma nears Tottenham exit as transfer deadline approaches

Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma is edging closer to the exit door, with negotiations ongoing as transfer windows in Turkey and Saudi Arabia remain open.

The Mali international, who has been linked with a departure all summer, appears unlikely to feature in Thomas Frank’s plans this season.

Reports in Turkey suggest a deal with Galatasaray was close, while fresh discussions are now taking place with Fenerbahçe. Clubs in Saudi Arabia are also monitoring his situation closely ahead of their respective deadline days.

Bissouma, 29, has made over 100 appearances for Spurs in all competitions but has yet to be included in a matchday squad this season.

His absence has fuelled speculation that his time in north London is coming to an end, with Spurs management keen to move him on. However, his high wages remain a stumbling block to securing a permanent transfer.

The Turkish transfer window closes on 12 September, while Saudi clubs have until 21 September in the second division and until this Thursday in the top flight. Spurs are believed to be considering both permanent and loan options to facilitate his exit.

Tensions between Bissouma and manager Thomas Frank have further complicated matters. The midfielder was excluded from the UEFA Super Cup squad against Paris Saint-Germain in August, reportedly due to repeated lateness. Sources close to the club describe the relationship between player and manager as “irrecoverable,” with both sides now viewing separation as the best outcome.

Bissouma, who joined Spurs with high expectations, has struggled to cement a consistent role at the club. His impending departure signals yet another shift in a squad undergoing significant change under Frank’s leadership.

The uncertainty surrounding Bissouma’s future comes during a period of transition at Tottenham. Last week, executive chairman Daniel Levy stepped down after nearly 25 years at the helm, a move that has opened the door for the Lewis family, majority owners, to consider greater financial investment in the squad.

According to Sky Sports News, the club aims to build beyond the ambition of merely securing Champions League qualification.

With Tottenham’s wage-to-revenue ratio sitting at just 42%—one of the lowest in the Premier League—critics argue the club has consistently underspent compared to rivals. Supporters will hope that the leadership shake-up signals a willingness to compete more aggressively in the market.

For now, attention remains fixed on Bissouma’s future. Whether in Turkey or Saudi Arabia, his departure seems increasingly likely, marking the end of a chapter that promised much but ultimately failed to deliver for either the player or the club.