Tottenham have completed the signing of Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma for a fee in excess of £25million.
The 25-year-old Mali international has signed a four-year deal and will join subject to a work permit.
Bissouma’s contract was due to expire next season and he had made it clear he wanted to play on a bigger stage. Newcastle United and Aston Villa made approaches in January and were keen again but Tottenham’s qualification for the Champions League was a big factor.
Tottenham have completed the £25million signing of Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma
‘To be here in London, with Spurs, and the Champions League music, imagine?’ Bissouma told Spurs TV. ‘The emotion is too much. It is my dream to play Champions League. When I was younger I remember watching it every day and I can’t believe I’ll play Champions League for Spurs. I am so happy.’
Brighton manager Graham Potter, who is braced for a bid from Manchester City for wing-back Marc Cucurella, said: ‘Yves has shown his undoubted ability and been an important player during his time with us. The transfer is a very good one for the club and player.’
Rivals were surprised by the price, with many believing Brighton would push for £35m. The deal for £25m plus more than £5m in bonuses represents astute business for Tottenham.
The Mali international follows Ivan Perisic (right) and Fraser Forster (left) in joining Spurs
Bissouma becomes Antonio Conte’s third signing of the summer after goalkeeper Fraser Forster and winger Ivan Perisic.
He will give Antonio Conte another high quality midfield option. Rodrigo Bentancur arrived in January and predominantly partnered Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for the remainder of the season as Spurs qualified for the Champions League.
The former Inter Milan boss Conte is also a big fan of Oliver Skipp, whose progress last season was hampered by injury.
Bissouma will give boss Antonio Conte another high quality midfield option for next season
With the latest arrival it looks clear that Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso and Harry Winks are all set to leave this summer.
Spurs are likely to remain extremely active in the transfer window as they look to bolster their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League.
Brighton also confirmed the transfer with head coach Graham Potter saying: ‘The transfer is a very good one for the club and player.
‘Yves has shown his undoubted ability and been an important player during his time with us.
‘Now he has a new challenge with Tottenham, including the opportunity to play Champions League football, and everyone at the club wishes him well.’
Brighton boss Graham Potter (left) was keen to wish midfielder Bissouma (right) well at Spurs
