Mali midfielder Yves Bissouma joins Ajax after Tottenham exit

The 30-year-old Mali international had been without a club since his Spurs contract expired in June, bringing an end to a three-year spell in north London.

Ajax sporting director Jordi Cruyff revealed that discussions with Bissouma began in August before the midfielder agreed to make the switch to the Eredivisie.

"We have brought in an experienced player who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level," Cruyff said.

"He is capable of playing in several positions, and we hope he will be available for selection as soon as possible."

Bissouma joined Tottenham from Brighton in 2022 and went on to make 111 appearances for the club. His final season, however, was disrupted by injuries and off-field issues, with the midfielder making only 11 Premier League appearances.

He featured under all three of Tottenham's managers during that campaign - Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor and Roberto De Zerbi - as Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League.

Bissouma's time at Tottenham also included a disciplinary setback when Frank omitted him from the squad for the 2025 UEFA Super Cup against Paris Saint-Germain because of persistent lateness.

Now, the midfielder will attempt to rebuild his career in the Netherlands, bringing considerable experience from his spells with Brighton, Tottenham and Lille, as well as four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments with Mali.

Ajax will hope Bissouma's ball-winning qualities and versatility can strengthen their midfield as he begins the next chapter of his European career.

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