Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a late move to bolster Nuno Santo’s engine room, according to reports..
What’s the word?
The Sunday Mirror (29th August, page 66) claims Spurs are looking into whether they can complete a deal for Brighton and Hove Albion star Yves Bissouma before Tuesday’s 11pm deadline.
It’s thought that Moussa Sissoko’s exit to fellow north Londoners Watford has freed up space in the squad for another midfielder and that the 24-year-old Malian is seen as the ideal replacement.
The Seagulls are said to value the Graham Potter regular in the region of £40m, so it’s now on the Lilywhites to make their move.
Should Spurs sign Bissouma for £40m?
Yes please!
No thanks!
Shades of Dembele
Replacing the veteran Frenchman with Bissouma would certainly be a shrewd move from sporting director Fabio Paratici and co, particularly as he’s an obvious upgrade in both the age and ability department.
The 6-foot powerhouse is an ideal box-to-box option to play alongside the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp and Dele Alli, who have all started every league game under Nuno this campaign.
Bissouma’s playing style has been modelled by the influence of Premier League legend Yaya Toure and he can mix his physicality – averaging 2.8 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game in 2020/21, with a deft touch on the ball – averaging 1.5 dribbles and a 87.4% passing accuracy rate, via WhoScored.
These are the sorts of numbers that may bring some Spurs fans to think about Mousa Dembele, who in his prime would surely love to play alongside the Lilywhites’ great Dane.
For example, one of the Belgian’s best campaigns (2015/16) saw him put up 3.6 tackles, 1.9 interceptions and 2.9 dribbles per league outing. Bissouma isn’t far off these returns, when playing in a poorer side, too.
Through the first three league games of the season, the Seagulls sensation is matching such an output, averaging 3.3 tackles, 2.3 interceptions and two dribbles, as per WhoScored.
Dembele joined Spurs from Fulham, so there would be further similarities if Paratici can strike a deal for Bissouma before time runs out.
As described by his former Brighton boss Chris Hughton, the Mali international is a “wonderful talent” and is one that would surely thrive under the Portuguese head coach.
After going unbeaten through their first three Premier League matches, the north London outfit could cap off a perfect summer by signing Bissouma. They could well unearth their next Dembele in doing so.
AND in other news, Fabio Paratici dealt Spurs transfer blow over £22.5m-rated midfield target…