The Mali international's imminent departure on a free transfer epitomises Tottenham's costly recruitment failures under Daniel Levy

Yves Bissouma's representatives are actively negotiating with Fenerbahce over a summer move that would see the midfielder leave Tottenham on a free transfer just two years after arriving for £30 million.
The 29-year-old has instructed his agent to find him a new club after falling completely out of favour under Ange Postecoglou, with the Mali international unwilling to trigger the one-year extension option in his contract that expires this summer.
When Tottenham paid Brighton £30 million for Bissouma in June 2022, they were signing one of the Premier League's most consistent defensive midfielders.
At Brighton, Bissouma was the defensive shield that allowed Graham Potter's side to play their possession-based football. His numbers spoke for themselves: consistently ranking in the top percentiles for tackles, interceptions and progressive carries among Premier League midfielders.
Multiple disciplinary problems have plagued Bissouma's time in North London. The midfielder has struggled to adapt to the demands and expectations at a bigger club, with his off-field issues affecting his on-pitch opportunities.
Under both Antonio Conte and now Postecoglou, Bissouma has found himself on the periphery of the first-team squad. His sporadic appearances have prevented him from building any momentum or consistency.
Bissouma's decline at Spurs is stark when examining his playing time:
The Turkish giants represent an ideal destination for a player seeking regular first-team football and a fresh start away from the Premier League spotlight.
Fenerbahce can offer Bissouma the playing time and importance within the squad that he craves. The Turkish Super Lig provides a competitive environment without the intense scrutiny of English football.
For Tottenham, allowing Bissouma to leave on a free represents a significant financial loss. The club will write off the entire £30 million investment from just two years ago.
However, removing his wages from the books and avoiding a disgruntled player in the dressing room may be worth accepting the financial hit. Keeping an unhappy player rarely benefits anyone.
Bissouma's failed stint at Spurs is symptomatic of broader recruitment issues that have plagued the club for years under Daniel Levy's ownership.
The midfielder joins a growing list of expensive signings who have failed to justify their transfer fees at Tottenham. This pattern of recruitment failures directly impacts the club's ability to compete for trophies and maintain consistent Champions League qualification.
Tottenham's transfer strategy appears reactive rather than proactive. Key issues include:
Smart bettors should factor Tottenham's recruitment record into their assessments of the club's prospects. The inability to successfully integrate expensive signings suggests systemic problems that affect on-field performance.
With Bissouma likely departing, Spurs will need to invest in midfield reinforcements this summer. Their track record suggests caution when backing them to successfully replace departing players.
Bissouma's agent will continue negotiations with Fenerbahce as the summer transfer window approaches. The midfielder appears determined to leave regardless of whether Tottenham trigger his extension option.
For Spurs, this represents another recruitment reset. They must identify and sign a replacement midfielder while addressing the broader issues that led to another expensive signing failing in North London. The cycle continues, with betting markets increasingly pricing in Tottenham's structural inefficiencies when assessing their chances of success.
Bissouma's agent is currently in negotiations with Fenerbahce over a potential summer move. The midfielder wants to leave Spurs on a free transfer when his contract expires.
Tottenham signed Yves Bissouma from Brighton for £30 million in June 2022. The club faces writing off this entire investment if he leaves on a free transfer.
Bissouma has fallen out of favour under Ange Postecoglou and wants regular first-team football. He has also faced disciplinary issues during his time at Spurs.
The Rumour MillMarcos Senesi's free transfer availability has sparked a battle between Manchester United and Tottenham, but Spurs' relegation fight has effectively ended their chances. The 28-year-old Argentine defender represents exceptional value in an inflated market, with United's Champions League ambitions making them clear favourites for his signature.
The Rumour MillAston Villa are preparing a summer offer for Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk, with Tottenham and Newcastle also circling the 26-year-old Dutchman. The Championship defender's potential move raises questions about ambition levels at three Premier League clubs with contrasting trajectories.
Bissouma's contract expires in summer 2025, with a one-year extension option that he is unwilling to trigger. This allows him to leave on a free transfer.
SportSignals is an independent publication. Views expressed are our own.